Best Nursing Schools in Kentucky in 2024 (On-Campus & Online)

Are you looking for a nursing school in Louisville or another city in Kentucky? You’re in luck. With the vast amount of traditional and online nursing schools in Kentucky, it may be hard to know what schools offer the best programs. Many communities and technical colleges offer associate degrees in nursing (ADN) and some may see that as a good start to their career while others want to enter their career with a little more education and specific experiences that are found within a BSN degree. Whatever path suits you, there are many options in the state of Kentucky. From BSN programs to nurse practitioner schools in Kentucky, there are many great schools for you to choose from. The field of nursing is expected to grow another 20% in Kentucky with a demand for well-educated and skilled nursing professionals. Check out our list to find the best nursing school in Kentucky for your needs.

List of the Top Nursing Schools in Kentucky

1. Berea College

What sets Berea College aside from the rest is the quality education for students with limited economic resources. The student work-study program helps to ensure that students graduate with very limited to no debt accrued from their time obtaining a degree from Berea. The unique tuition model that Berea offers is that no students pay tuition, instead, each student is awarded a scholarship worth close to $100,000 over four years. Students participate in the work-study program as a means of earning their tuition. Berea is one of nine institutions that is recognized as a Work College.

At A Glance

• Tuition: —
• Graduation Rate: 62%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 10:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%

2. Western Kentucky University

At Western Kentucky University caring is at the heart of nursing and preparing students to provide compassionate, culturally sensitive care to diverse populations. Graduates thrive with their complete experience through their inter-professional learning opportunities. WKU is accredited by both the ACEN and the CCNE. Students can earn degrees as LPN, BSN, MSN, and DNP. With so many options, numerous pathways are available to help students progress in their nursing careers.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $9,912
• Graduation Rate: 45%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 18:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 99%

3. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky is the flagship institution for the state of Kentucky and as such leads out in promoting inclusion through diversity and well-being of its students and those whom the students will care for upon graduation. The college of nursing follows an evidence-based model for teaching nursing theory and clinical experiences to help students gain the necessary skills to treat those who come under their care. In an atmosphere of inclusion, graduates are prepared to administer nursing practice to all who come under their care.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $11,484
• Graduation Rate: 61%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 16:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 99%

4. University of Louisville

Fully accredited by the CCNE, the University of Louisville school of nursing offers a full BSN program in both Louisville and Owensboro as well as an online RN to BSN program. For students seeking higher nursing education, the Louisville campus offers an MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. degree in nursing. UofL has numerous partners in healthcare that provide enriching clinical experiences for students as well as research opportunities. Students can also participate in outreach programs and practice abroad as undergraduates getting unique hands-on experience. It’s a no-brainer why UofL is on our list of the top nursing schools in Kentucky.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $11,264
• Graduation Rate: 54%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 14:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%

5. Eastern Kentucky University

EKU is one of the best accredited nursing schools in Kentucky. Nursing professionals are becoming ever more needed in the healthcare system and will continue to be so in the future. The national nursing shortage is still underway and is expected to become more severe over the next decade, which means students of Eastern Kentucky University earning their BSN will be in high demand upon graduation. Fully accredited by the CCNE, EKU is helping students become proactive professionals in changing the healthcare system.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $8,868
• Graduation Rate: 42.9%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 16:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 92%

6. Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College

Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College is one of the 16 open-enrollment, two-year Community Colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Students can either earn their LPN, ADN or RN certification upon passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Graduates can enter their careers within two years of starting the program or they can use their education gained at Southcentral as a springboard to enter a university to earn their BSN degree. Southcentral offers two locations, one in Bowling Green and one in Glasgow.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $3,888
• Graduation Rate: 48.84%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 20:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%

7. Maysville Community and Technical College

Students of Maysville Community and Technical College can either earn their ADN degree or their RN through a few different pathways. Those that already have their LPN can participate in an online RN program, while those that have no previous college can enter to earn their ADN and take the licensure exam to become a certified RN. Maysville offers two campuses that both offer the nursing programs, the Maysville campus, and the Licking Valley campus.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $3,936
• Graduation Rate: 39.1%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 19:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%

8. Hopkinsville Community College

Hopkinsville Community College is one of the 16 open-enrollment, two-year Community Colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Students can either earn their LPN, ADN or RN certification upon passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Students are educated and trained to enter careers in acute and chronic care of patients. Graduates can be employed in a variety of settings from hospitals to clinics to long term nursing facilities.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $3,936
• Graduation Rate: 28.5%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 19:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%

9. Somerset Community College

Somerset Community College located in Somerset, Kentucky is one of the 16 open-enrollment, two-year Community Colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Students can either earn their LPN, ADN or RN certification upon passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Graduates can enter their careers with greater earning potential than most two-year degrees offer. Somerset offers two locations for their nursing program, one in Somerset and one in London.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $3,936
• Graduation Rate: 32.8%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 21:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 98%

10. Gateway Community and Technical College

Gateway Community and Technical College is one of the 16 open-enrollment, two-year Community Colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Students can either earn their LPN, ADN or RN certification upon passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Graduates can enter their careers within two years of starting the program or they can use their education gained at Gateway as a springboard to enter a university to earn their BSN degree.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $4,016
• Graduation Rate: 24.9%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 25:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 97%

11. Northern Kentucky University

NKU is one of the best nursing schools in northern Kentucky. Primarily an undergraduate institution, Northern Kentucky University is another one of the great nursing schools in Kentucky as it offers a solid BSN program for students desiring to enter the nursing profession. With a thriving school of nursing students can also further their careers with MSN and DNP programs. State-of-the-art simulation labs provide real-life experiences in an ER, ICU and patient room simulations where students gain needed to practice and experience before externships in real-life health care settings.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $9,384
• Graduation Rate: 37%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 19:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 93%

12. Bellarmine University

A private liberal arts college named after the Cardinal Saint, Robert Bellarmine, Bellarmine University is a tight-knit college community with caring faculty and dedicated students. The Bellarmine school of nursing is a vibrant community in and of itself with committed faculty that provide learning opportunities amid a diverse student body that promotes inclusion. Students will learn skills in a state-of-the-art laboratory and practice those skills in one of the many healthcare systems that Bellarmine partners with.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $39,750
• Graduation Rate: 68%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 11:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 94%

13. Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College

Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College is one of the 16 open-enrollment, two-year Community Colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Students can either earn their LPN, ADN or RN certification upon passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Graduates can enter their careers within two years of starting the program or they can use their education gained at Southcentral as a springboard to enter a university to earn their BSN degree. Southcentral offers two locations, one in Bowling Green and one in Glasgow.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $3,888
• Graduation Rate: 48.84%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 20:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%

14. Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College

Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College is one of the 16 open-enrollment, two-year Community Colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Students are prepared to demonstrate competent nursing judgment along with practical skills to help patients flourish under their care. Students can either earn their LPN, ADN or RN certification upon passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $3,936
• Graduation Rate: 40%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 33:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 96%

15. Henderson Community College

Henderson Community College is one of the 16 open-enrollment, two-year Community Colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Students are prepared to demonstrate competent nursing judgment along with practical skills to help patients flourish under their care. Students can either earn their LPN, ADN or RN certification upon passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $174 Per Credit Hour
• Graduation Rate: 26%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 26:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 96%

16. Bluegrass Community and Technical College

Located in beautiful, Lexington Kentucky, Bluegrass Community and Technical College is one of the 16 open-enrollment, two-year Community Colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Students are prepared to demonstrate competent nursing judgment along with practical skills to help patients flourish under their care. Students can either earn their LPN, ADN or RN certification upon passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $4,016
• Graduation Rate: 25.6%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 27:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 93%

17. Galen College of Nursing

As a private college that exists solely to educate and train nursing professionals, Galen College of Nursing has many campuses across the country with a campus in Louisville, Kentucky. Galen offers a fast track to earn a BSN degree in as little as 3 years and traditional BSN tracks and a bridge path for LPN to ADN degrees. With nursing being the sole degree and education provided by Galen, graduates are immersed immediately into nursing practicum and experiences and will soon learn what it’s like to attend one of the best nursing schools in Kentucky.

At A Glance

• Tuition: Varies by degree. $410 per credit hour for BSN, $21,000 total for Practical Nurse Certification
• Graduation Rate: 78.3%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 12:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 97%

18. Elizabethtown Community and Technical College

Located in beautiful, Elizabethtown Kentucky, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is one of the 16 open-enrollment, two-year Community Colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Students are prepared to demonstrate competent nursing judgment along with practical skills to help patients flourish under their care. Students can either earn their LPN, ADN or RN certification upon passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $,3,936
• Graduation Rate: 35.5%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 27:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 90%

19. Owensboro Community College

Situated on a beautiful campus, Owensboro Community College is one of the 16 open-enrollment, two-year Community Colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Students are prepared to demonstrate competent nursing judgment along with practical skills to help patients flourish under their care. Students can either earn their LPN, ADN or RN certification upon passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Owensboro also offers transfer programs with Western Kentucky University for students wanting to further their education.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $3,936
• Graduation Rate: 39.6%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 28:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 87%

20. Morehead State University

Committed to academic excellence, Morehead State University is also very affordable with over 94% of its student body receiving scholarships or financial aid. Students aspiring to become nursing professionals will receive hands-on learning experiences with current lab simulations and real-world practice of delivering health care within the community. With more than 50 contracts with healthcare providers in the community, students practice their skills under the directions of professional nurses and doctors before entering the workforce as a qualified RN.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $8,496
• Graduation Rate: 43%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 18:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 85%

21. Midway University

A private liberal arts college, Midway University was a women’s only college until 2016. It is still a small, intimate university that offers a close-knit, individualized educational experience for those who attend. The BSN program is a continuation of the quality ADN program that Midway previously offered students desiring a nursing degree. Students can meet with faculty one-on-one to receive help and extra tutoring and direction in their nursing courses. More than 90% of the students receive financial assistance making their education more affordable.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $23,250
• Graduation Rate: 43%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 16:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 94%

22. Murray State University

Students seeking a caring and professional educational experience will find just that at Murray State University. The four-year BSN program educates and prepares students to enter the health care industry as nursing professionals ready to give competent care for diverse populations. Graduates are adequately prepared to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and can be employed in a variety of healthcare settings ranging from hospitals to doctors’ offices.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $8,400
• Graduation Rate: 52%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 15:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 96%

23. Beckfield College

Beckfield College is an institution of higher learning that is dedicated to training nursing professionals and others in the medical field. With the sole purpose of the college being nursing education, students receive a very focused education. Students can enroll in programs to earn their LPN or BSN, both tracks focus on evidence-based nursing education coupled with clinical experiences. The Beckfield College campus in Kentucky is located in Florence, Kentucky.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $13,281
• Graduation Rate: 38.2%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 11:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 83%

24. Lindsey Wilson College

A United Methodist College, Lindsey Wilson College offers a four-year BSN program that is fully accredited by the CCNE on a sprawling 200 -acre campus. Graduates are prepared to be generalist nursing professionals with both evidence-based education and clinical practicum experiences.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $23,762
• Graduation Rate: 34%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 15:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 96%

25. University of Pikeville

Associated with the Presbyterian Church, Pikeville University is one of the many nursing schools in Kentucky. On a beautiful, quaint campus, Pikeville is located atop a hill that overlooks Pikeville. The Elliott school of nursing currently offers an ADN and a BSN degree for students seeking to enter the profession of nursing. Students are prepared to be experienced and dedicated nursing professionals.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $19,600
• Graduation Rate: 40%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 14:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 77%

26. Spalding University

A private Roman Catholic University, Spalding University is situated in downtown Louisville that offers a unique educational experience for students. Students can take one or two classes at a time through their 6-week class calendar as well as most students receive financial aid to make their education more affordable. Students aspiring to become nurses have a few options to earn their BSN degree through Spalding. There is a traditional BSN path, an accelerated path, as well as MSN and DNP programs for those seeking to further their nursing education and career.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $24,388
• Graduation Rate: 62%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 15:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 88%

27. Kentucky Christian University

Through a Christ-centered academic community, Kentucky Christian University has been graduating students that are prepared to serve. Yancey school of nursing takes a population-focused approach to healthcare and health promotion. Students receive core knowledge and learn to care for the whole individual within a diverse community. Graduates of Yancey have a reputation for excelling both clinically and professionally.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $18,560
• Graduation Rate: 34.4%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 12:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 86%

28. Union College

Union College was founded by the United Methodist Church and is situated in Barbourville, Kentucky. Union College is one of the smallest institutions for higher learning in Kentucky with under 900 undergraduate students enrolled. Students receive excellent clinical experiences with the many physicians that are partnered with Union College as well as intern opportunities with athletic teams and other healthcare agencies.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $13,165
• Graduation Rate: 32.1%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 10:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 87%

30. Campbellsville University

A private Baptist university that enrolls all denominations, Campbellsville University wants to make a difference in the student’s lives and the growing community. The nursing program prepares students to think critically through both their knowledge gained through their education and their experience. Campbellsville offers both an ADN degree and a BSN degree. Graduates of both can take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam to practice in a variety of settings.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $24,596
• Graduation Rate: 39%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 13:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 78%

31. Thomas More University

Thomas More University is a private Catholic liberal arts college that offers courses both on-campus and online. Thomas More repeatedly ranks among the tops colleges by U.S. News and World Report due to its small personalized atmosphere and highly trained faculty. Though it may only serve a little over 2,000 students at a time the reputation and outreach are far greater than that. The nursing program consists of small classes, highly professional teachers and is fully accredited by the ACEN.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $29,450
• Graduation Rate: 46%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 16:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 77%

32. Kentucky State University

One of the largest campuses in Kentucky, Kentucky State University has been serving as an institute for higher learning for over 130 years. KSU also has one of the lowest faculty to student ratio of the public colleges and universities in Kentucky. With over 880 acres and only 2,200 students, KSU has room and individualized attention for students to spread their wings and serve the community. Currently, KSU offers a four-year BSN program for aspiring nurses.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $7,754
• Graduation Rate: 21%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 10:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 74%

33. Ashland Community and Technical College

Located in Ashland, Ashland Community and Technical College is one of the 16 open-enrollment, two-year Community Colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Ashland currently offers three campuses for students to study at for their convenience. Students are prepared to demonstrate competent nursing judgment along with practical skills to help patients flourish under their care. Students can either earn their LPN, ADN or RN certification upon passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $3,936
• Graduation Rate: 32.9%
• Teacher to Student Ratio: 22:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 67%

Ranking Methodology

With numerous nursing schools in Kentucky, finding one to fit the needs of any aspiring nurse should be easy. Browse the list of qualified and accredited schools to locate one in your area that offers the program of interest. Schools were ranked according to the cost and NCLEX-RN pass rate. Those institutions that offered multiple nursing programs were also ranked higher than institutions that only offer an ADN or LPN as more employers are seeking graduates holding a BSN degree and a current RN license.