RN Programs in Kentucky

Kentucky RN Programs at a Glance

RN Programs Offered in Kentucky

ADN Programs: 28
BSN Programs: 20

ADN Program Stats

NCLEX-RN Average: 86%
NCLEX Rate Range: 56% to 96%
Average Net-Price $10,648.00
Net-Price Range: $5,829.00 to $24,649.00
Average Student Loan: $10,868.37

BSN Program Stats

NCLEX-RN Average: 90%
NCLEX Rate Range: 78% to 100%
Average Net-Price $15,127.37
Net-Price Range: $2,323.00 to $24,649.00
Average Student Loan: $15,543.32

Kentucky RN Program Guide

Requesting information about on-site and online nursing programs can provide nursing candidates with a large selection of schools to choose from. There is no shortage in nursing schools in the state of Kentucky that offer RN programs. The number of Baccalaureate-prepared RNs has more than doubled in recent years. It has been proven that nurses with a BSN are able to provide better patient safety and more cost-effective patient care. The more nurses with a BSN degree in nursing, the more Kentucky can benefit in terms of healthcare.

In our Kentucky RN program guide, you will find both ADN and BSN Degree program rankings, tuition costs, enrollment information, NCLEX passing rates, and more. You will find key Kentucky RN Program information to help you compare programs metrics and apply to best RN program(s) for the advancement of your career.

The State of Kentucky offers 39 RN programs in 29 different cities. Public institutions offer 24 of the RN programs in the state while there are 5 private, for-profit and 10 private, not-for-profit schools that make up the rest.

In the State of Kentucky, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate’s degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.

Nurses who graduate from an RN program are able to then obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties.

What is the best RN program for you to attend? Your sweet spot might be the least expensive school with the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate. Or, it might the school that offers the best NCLEX-RN passing rate no matter the total cost of attendance. You may also want to consider schools with the highest enrollment rate so that you can collaborate with fellow students and have a large alumni to connect with after graduation.

Find your ideal program from information and data in our guide to Kentucky RN Programs.

ADN Programs in Kentucky

Nursing schools in Kentucky are well aware that students are busy and have lives outside of school; many schools have evolved to the point that they offer night and weekend nursing programs, allowing students the flexibility to work, spend time with their families, and attend school.

NCLEX Passing Rates for Kentucky ADN Programs

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in Kentucky of 96.29%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $6,507.00 a year.

ADN Programs Offered in Kentucky: 28
Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 86.42%
NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 56.20% to 96.29%

How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in Kentucky?

We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in Kentucky so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.

When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.

The lowest cost ADN program in Kentucky is offered by Madisonville Community College at about $5,829.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 89.29%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by Beckfield College-Florence and it will cost about $24,649.00.

Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inKentucky: $10,648.00
Net-Price Range for Kentucky ADN Programs: $5,829.00 to $24,649.00

Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs

Average Student Borrowing for Kentucky Schools: $10,868.37
Student borrowing range for ADN programs in Kentucky: $6,962.00 to $18,860.00

ADN Programs at Public or Private Institutions

Public Institutions: 20
Private For-Profit Institutions: 5
Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 3

BSN Programs in Kentucky

Nurses can choose to attend a program from three different formats: online, campus-based, and a program that combines the two formats. The admissions criteria and curriculum are consistent with all three formats. Students need to know that most universities require an active RN license, a degree, or diploma (with a GPA of 2.0 or better) in order to be accepted into the program. Most nursing schools give flexibility in allowing nurses to attend school either full-time or part-time. The programs can be completed in 3-5 semesters. Classes in the curriculum may include:

Evaluation of Clinical Performance
Theories and Concepts of Professional Nursing
Nursing Research
Advanced Nursing Assessment Laboratory and Practicum
Development of Theories in Nursing
Nursing in the Community and Community Practicum

NCLEX Passing Rates for Kentucky BSN Programs

Union College wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in Kentucky with a score of 100.00%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $17,385.00 a year.

BSN Programs Offered in Kentucky: 20
Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 90.29%
NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 78.43% to 100.00%

How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in Kentucky?

We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in Kentucky to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.

The lowest cost BSN degree program in Kentucky is offered by Berea College and will cost you about $2,323.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 86.43%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by Beckfield College-Florence and will cost you about $24,649.00 and it has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of N/A*%.

Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in Kentucky: $15,127.37
Net-Price Range for Kentucky BSN Programs: $2,323.00 to $24,649.00

Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs

Average Student Borrowing for Kentucky Schools: $15,543.32
Student borrowing range for BSN programs in Kentucky: $5,234.00 to $23,000.00

BSN Programs at Public or Private Institutions

Public Institutions: 8
Private For-Profit Institutions: 3
Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 9

MSN Programs in Kentucky

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Kentucky offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

Kentucky RN Licensing Requirements

There are three ways nurses can obtain licensure through the state of Kentucky: by exam, by endorsement, and, in some cases, by completing a nursing program in a foreign country.

RN Licensure by Exam

There is a $125 fee for the application by examination. This is a non-refundable fee. Applications are valid for a year and will expire if the applicant is unsuccessful in passing the NCLEX exam. Applicants are required to complete a criminal background report and submit a fingerprint card. There is a $14.75 fee made payable to Kentucky State Police. In addition to an approved nursing program, candidates must also complete a jurisprudence exam. When all of these tasks have been completed, the candidate can register and take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). It costs $200 in order to register for this exam. Those who have completed nursing programs in Kentucky must earn two hours of HIV/AIDS continuing education, three hours of domestic violence continuing education, and one and a half hours of pediatric head abuse trauma within three years of obtaining licensure.

RN Licensure by Endorsement

Nurses you have received licensure in one of the other 50 states can apply for licensure through endorsement. Applications and documentation are reviewed within 14 days. An endorsement application is valid for up to six months. This means you have six months to complete the endorsement process before the application expires. If the application expires before a temporary permit or license has been issued, candidates will be required to submit a new application, fingerprint card, and fees. There is a $165 fee for the endorsement application. In addition to the requirements that are needed for licensure by exam, candidates must also submit verification of original licensure and transcripts.

RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad

Nurses who were trained abroad must complete the following:

Copy of a Visa Screen for Licensure
Application and fee with a request for a social security number if the candidate doesn’t already have one
Legal residency in the United States

RN Salaries in Kentucky

The average mean wage of RNs in Kentucky is approximately $57,520. This figure will often fluctuate for nurses who have sought out higher education. There are over 60,000 nurses actively registered in Kentucky. It is also reported that more students than ever are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The hospitals in Kentucky provide nurses with many job opportunities in areas such as management, utilization review, quality control, infection control, and wound care specialization. There are also case manager positions available within a hospital as well as home healthcare and community-based healthcare facilities.

Kentucky Registered Nursing Salaries

A majority of the registered nurses are working in the Louisville area. Nurses in this area also make the highest annual median wage.

Area name	Employment	Hourly median wage	Annual median wage
Bowling Green, KY		$26.89	$55,930
Elizabethtown, KY	780	$28.67	$59,640
Lexington-Fayette, KY	6,880	$28.23	$58,720
Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN	15,220	$29.18	$60,690
Owensboro, KY	880	$25.21	$52,430
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area	3,810	$23.35	$48,570
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area	3,750	$26.70	$55,540
West Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area	2,800	$26.26	$54,630
East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area	3,250	$25.30	$52,620

Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data

Best RN Programs in Kentucky

KY Best Ranked RN Programs in by RNCareers.org

Ranked Schools: 27

Evaluated Schools: 28

One of the best measures of a nursing program’s ability to prepare its students to become a registered nurse is to look at an institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates. We went directly to Kentucky’s state board of nursing to find, report and rank the best Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs Kentucky.

With more than 28 Kentucky associate degree in nursing programs to choose from, we hope to provide some of the critical information you need before applying to a ADN program. We ranked the top 27 ADN degree programs in the Kentucky. Research the best BSN Degrees Kentucky.

For information about how we rank RN programs, please see our ranking methodology.

RANKED 1

ADN

Overall Score: 4.8145196.29%

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College

600 College Street Rd, Elizabethtown, KY - 42701-3081
(270) 769-2371

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is located in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. They offer an ASN program. At this time they do not offer an LPN to RN program. As a whole, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College graduates approximately 500 students annually.

Campus: Elizabethtown, KY
Net Price: $6,507.00
Enrollment: 6,929
Transfer Out Rate: 15.10%
Loan Default Rate: 28.30%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 2.98%
Graduation Rate: 23.40%
Median Borrowing: $8,101.00
Median Payment: $84.58
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 2

ADN

Overall Score: 4.7355194.71%

Hopkinsville Community College

720 North Dr., Hopkinsville, KY - 42240
(270) 707-3700

Hopkinsville Community College is located in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. They offer an RN program, but do not offer an LPN to RN program at this time, although they do offer an LPN program. Hopkinsville Community College is primarily attended by students residing in western Kentucky and also northern Tennessee.

Campus: Hopkinsville, KY
Net Price: $7,015.00
Enrollment: 3,609
Transfer Out Rate: 19.40%
Loan Default Rate: 17.70%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 9.30%
Graduation Rate: 19.40%
Median Borrowing: $7,242.00
Median Payment: $75.61
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 3

ADN

Overall Score: 4.6855193.71%

Henderson Community College

2660 S Green St, Henderson, KY - 42420-4699
(270) 827-1867

Henderson Community College is located in Henderson, Kentucky. They offer an traditional ADN program and an LPN to ADN Bridge Program. However, an LPN can also enroll in the traditional ADN program and enter in semester III. The Bridge Program is a nontraditional program, with weekend and evening courses, whereas the traditional program has courses at traditional times. Both options allow the LPN to select a program that works best for their schedule.

Campus: Henderson, KY
Net Price: $6,667.00
Enrollment: 2,036
Transfer Out Rate: 12.50%
Loan Default Rate: 22.50%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: -5.87%
Graduation Rate: 21.30%
Median Borrowing: $6,962.00
Median Payment: $72.69
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 4

ADN

Overall Score: 4.6785193.57%

Somerset Community College

808 Monticello Street, Somerset, KY - 42501-2973
(877) 629-9722

Somerset Community College is located in Somerset, Kentucky. They offer an ADN program and an LPN to ADN program. Their LPN to ADN program is designed for the working nurse – it is specifically set in an evening/weekend format.

Campus: Somerset, KY
Net Price: $5,891.00
Enrollment: 7,504
Transfer Out Rate: 10.20%
Loan Default Rate: 33.30%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: -5.14%
Graduation Rate: 24.90%
Median Borrowing: $8,981.00
Median Payment: $93.77
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 5

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: 4.607192.14%

University of Pikeville

147 Sycamore St, Pikeville, KY - 41501
(606) 218-5250

Campus: Pikeville, KY
Net Price: $15,221.00
Enrollment: 1,738
Loan Default Rate: 12.50%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: -9.11%
Graduation Rate: 28.60%
Median Borrowing: $9,950.00
Median Payment: $103.89
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 6

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: 4.6192.00%

Eastern Kentucky University

521 Lancaster Ave, Richmond, KY - 40475-3102
(859) 622-1000

Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond, Kentucky. EKU offers a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN program and a second degree BSN program. They also have a wide variety of post-graduate options for those who want to continue their education after graduating with their BSN degree.

Campus: Richmond, KY
Net Price: $11,383.00
Enrollment: 13,891
Loan Default Rate: 12.80%
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: -4.08%
Graduation Rate: 39.20%
Median Borrowing: $16,666.00
Median Payment: $174.01
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, Masters, Post Master, Post-Master Doctorate
Program Accreditation(s): AANP, CCNE

RANKED 7

ADN

Overall Score: 4.5855191.71%

West Kentucky Community and Technical College

4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, KY - 42002-7380
(270) 554-92000

West Kentucky Community and Technical College is located in Paducah, Kentucky. They offer an ADN program and an LPN to RN accelerated program. They also accept transfer nursing students if there is space available in their programs.

Campus: Paducah, KY
Net Price: $5,947.00
Enrollment: 7,104
Transfer Out Rate: 11.60%
Loan Default Rate: 23.30%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: -0.22%
Graduation Rate: 38.10%
Median Borrowing: $7,466.00
Median Payment: $77.95
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 8

ADN

Overall Score: 4.5785191.57%

Owensboro Community and Technical College

4800 New Hartford Rd, Owensboro, KY - 42303
(270) 686-4400

Owensboro Community and Technical College is located in Owensboro, Kentucky. They have an ADN and an LPN to ADN program. They are proud to boast that their pass rate of the NCLEX-RN has been above 95% for the past 4 years.

Campus: Owensboro, KY
Net Price: $6,691.00
Enrollment: 4,286
Transfer Out Rate: 14.50%
Loan Default Rate: 25.60%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 1.90%
Graduation Rate: 29.50%
Median Borrowing: $7,160.00
Median Payment: $74.76
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 9

ADN

Overall Score: 4.4785189.57%

Bluegrass Community and Technical College

470 Cooper Drive, Lexington, KY - 40506
(859) 246-6200

Campus: Lexington, KY
Net Price: $7,453.00
Enrollment: 12,365
Transfer Out Rate: 19.60%
Loan Default Rate: 25.20%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 0.05%
Graduation Rate: 18.50%
Median Borrowing: $8,456.00
Median Payment: $88.29
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 10

ADN

Overall Score: 4.4645189.29%

Madisonville Community College

2000 College Drive, Madisonville, KY - 42431
(270) 821-2250

Campus: Madisonville, KY
Net Price: $5,829.00
Enrollment: 4,522
Transfer Out Rate: 9.60%
Loan Default Rate: 18.90%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 5.18%
Graduation Rate: 30.50%
Median Borrowing: $8,141.00
Median Payment: $85.00
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 11

ADN

Overall Score: 4.4355188.71%

Maysville Community and Technical College

1755 U.S. Hwy 68, Maysville, KY - 41056
(6.0) 676-E+14

Campus: Maysville, KY
Net Price: $6,786.00
Enrollment: 3,595
Transfer Out Rate: 9.10%
Loan Default Rate: 30.90%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 3.78%
Graduation Rate: 29.70%
Median Borrowing: $8,830.00
Median Payment: $92.20
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 12

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: 4.4145188.29%

Galen College of Nursing-Louisville

1031 Zorn Avenue , Suite 400, Louisville, KY - 40207
(502) 410-6200

Campus: Louisville, KY
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private For-Profit
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED 13

ADN

Overall Score: 4.407188.14%

Campbellsville University

1 University Dr, Campbellsville, KY - 42718-2799
(2.7) 079-E+13

Campus: Campbellsville, KY
Net Price: $14,187.00
Enrollment: 3,048
Loan Default Rate: 16.80%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 13.57%
Graduation Rate: 40.80%
Median Borrowing: $13,602.00
Median Payment: $142.02
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 14

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: 4.3715187.43%

Midway College

512 E. Stephens St, Midway, KY - 40347-1120
(859) 846-4421

Campus: Midway, KY
Net Price: $18,624.00
Enrollment: 1,247
Transfer Out Rate: 21.70%
Loan Default Rate: 10.30%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 14.48%
Graduation Rate: 47.60%
Median Borrowing: $15,400.00
Median Payment: $160.79
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 15

ADN

Overall Score: 4.357187.14%

Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College

700 College Rd, Cumberland, KY - 40823
(606) 589-2145

Campus: Cumberland, KY
Net Price: $6,133.00
Enrollment: 5,221
Transfer Out Rate: 6.90%
Loan Default Rate: 28.40%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 15.76%
Graduation Rate: 25.10%
Median Borrowing: $7,033.00
Median Payment: $73.43
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 16

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: 4.293185.86%

Western Kentucky University

1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, KY - 42101-1000
(270) 745-0111

Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. WKU offers a BSN program, an RN to BSN program and a second degree BSN program. The second degree BSN program allows students with a prior bachelor’s degree to become an RN in 4 semesters. This program is separate from the RN to BSN program..

Campus: Bowling Green, KY
Net Price: $10,597.00
Enrollment: 17,509
Transfer Out Rate: 28.20%
Loan Default Rate: 13.70%
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: -4.33%
Graduation Rate: 50.30%
Median Borrowing: $17,250.00
Median Payment: $180.11
Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Masters, Post Master, Post-Master Doctorate
Program Accreditation(s): AANP, CCNE

RANKED 17

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: 4.2855185.71%

Morehead State University

University Blvd, Morehead, KY - 40351
(606) 783-2000

Morehead State University is located in Morehead, Kentucky. They have a variety of nursing option. They have an ADN degree, a paramedic to ADN option, a post-licensure program (this allows an RN to become a BSN) and a pre-licensure program (this allows a traditional student to become a BSN).

Campus: Morehead, KY
Net Price: $10,119.00
Enrollment: 10,076
Loan Default Rate: 12.50%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 12.57%
Graduation Rate: 44.60%
Median Borrowing: $14,662.00
Median Payment: $153.09
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED 18

ADN

Overall Score: 4.2785185.57%

Jefferson Community and Technical College

109 E Broadway, Louisville, KY - 40202-2005
(502) 213-4000

Campus: Louisville, KY
Net Price: $6,894.00
Enrollment: 13,498
Transfer Out Rate: 21.00%
Loan Default Rate: 24.70%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: -1.15%
Graduation Rate: 11.20%
Median Borrowing: $8,250.00
Median Payment: $86.14
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 19

ADN

Overall Score: 4.2285184.57%

Ashland Community and Technical College

1400 College Drive, Ashland, KY - 41101-3683
(606) 326-2000

Campus: Ashland, KY
Net Price: $6,957.00
Enrollment: 3,359
Transfer Out Rate: 15.30%
Loan Default Rate: 28.60%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 11.42%
Graduation Rate: 19.50%
Median Borrowing: $7,693.00
Median Payment: $80.32
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 20

ADN

Overall Score: 4.2184.00%

Hazard Community and Technical College

One Community College Drive, Hazard, KY - 41701-2402
(606) 487-3503

Campus: Hazard, KY
Net Price: $6,271.00
Enrollment: 3,790
Transfer Out Rate: 7.40%
Loan Default Rate: 31.60%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 11.58%
Graduation Rate: 27.60%
Median Borrowing: $7,768.00
Median Payment: $81.11
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 21

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: 4.1785183.57%

Kentucky State University

400 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY - 40601-2355
(502) 597-6000

Campus: Frankfort, KY
Net Price: $11,635.00
Enrollment: 2,370
Transfer Out Rate: 14.80%
Loan Default Rate: 28.60%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 28.07%
Graduation Rate: 18.40%
Median Borrowing: $18,860.00
Median Payment: $196.92
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 22

ADN

Overall Score: 4.11182.20%

National College-Lexington

2376 Sir Barton Way, Lexington, KY - 40509
(859) 253-0621

Campus: Lexington, KY
Net Price: $19,376.00
Enrollment: 1,282
Loan Default Rate: 10.50%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private For-Profit
Net Price Change: 27.52%
Graduation Rate: 35.80%
Median Borrowing: $15,834.00
Median Payment: $165.33
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 23

ADN

Overall Score: 4.0785181.57%

Spencerian College-Louisville

4627 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY - 40216
(502) 447-1000

Campus: Louisville, KY
Net Price: $24,176.00
Enrollment: 533
Loan Default Rate: 24.60%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Private For-Profit
Net Price Change: 8.66%
Graduation Rate: 38.70%
Median Borrowing: $14,470.00
Median Payment: $151.08
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 24

ADN

Overall Score: 4.05181.00%

Big Sandy Community and Technical College

One Bert Combs Dr, Prestonsburg, KY - 41653
(606) 886-38630

Campus: Prestonsburg, KY
Net Price: $5,893.00
Enrollment: 4,715
Transfer Out Rate: 10.50%
Loan Default Rate: 29.60%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 3.95%
Graduation Rate: 16.00%
Median Borrowing: $7,680.00
Median Payment: $80.19
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 25

ADN

Overall Score: 4180.00%

Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College

1845 Loop Dr, Bowling Green, KY - 42101-3601
(270) 901-1000

Campus: Bowling Green, KY
Net Price: $6,385.00
Enrollment: 4,758
Transfer Out Rate: 9.60%
Loan Default Rate: 32.10%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: -12.10%
Graduation Rate: 20.40%
Median Borrowing: $8,250.00
Median Payment: $86.14
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 26

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: 3.943178.86%

Beckfield College-Florence

16 Spiral Drive, Florence, KY - 41042
(8.5) 937-2E+12

Campus: Florence, KY
Net Price: $24,649.00
Enrollment: 807
Loan Default Rate: 24.80%
Programs: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Private For-Profit
Net Price Change: 18.24%
Graduation Rate: 30.60%
Median Borrowing: $14,083.00
Median Payment: $147.04
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED 27

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: 2.81156.20%

Daymar College-Owensboro

3361 Buckland Sq, Owensboro, KY - 42301
(270) 926-4040

Campus: Owensboro, KY
Net Price: $23,343.00
Enrollment: 122
Loan Default Rate: 24.10%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private For-Profit
Net Price Change: -29.52%
Graduation Rate: 37.50%
Median Borrowing: $14,533.00
Median Payment: $151.74
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED N/A*

ADN

Overall Score: N/A*

Gateway Community and Technical College

500 Technology Way, Florence, KY - 41042
(859) 441-4500

Campus: Florence, KY
Net Price: $6,867.00
Enrollment: 4,646
Transfer Out Rate: 9.50%
Loan Default Rate: 32.50%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: -2.65%
Graduation Rate: 33.60%
Median Borrowing: $10,123.00
Median Payment: $105.70
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s):

Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics

Helpful Nursing Resources

Ranked Schools: 14

Evaluated Schools: 20

With more than 20 Kentucky BSN degree programs to choose from, we hope to provide you some of the critical information you may need before applying to a BSN degree program. We ranked the top 14 BSN degree programs in the Colorado. Research the best ADN Programs in Kentucky.

For information about how we rank RN programs, please see our ranking methodology.

RANKED 1

BSN

Overall Score: 51100.00%

Union College

310 College St, Barbourville, KY - 40906-1499
(606) 546-4151

Campus: Barbourville, KY
Net Price: $17,385.00
Enrollment: 818
Loan Default Rate: 13.20%
Programs: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 13.11%
Graduation Rate: 34.20%
Median Borrowing: $14,250.00
Median Payment: $148.79
Award Levels: Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED 2

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: 4.9215198.43%

Eastern Kentucky University

521 Lancaster Ave, Richmond, KY - 40475-3102
(859) 622-1000

Campus: Richmond, KY
Net Price: $11,383.00
Enrollment: 13,891
Loan Default Rate: 12.80%
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: -4.08%
Graduation Rate: 39.20%
Median Borrowing: $16,666.00
Median Payment: $174.01
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, Masters, Post Master, Post-Master Doctorate
Program Accreditation(s): AANP, CCNE

RANKED 3

BSN

Overall Score: 4.8645197.29%

University of Kentucky

South Limestone, Lexington, KY - 40506-0032
(859) 257-9000

University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, Kentucky. Their College of Nursing had over 1,500 students enrolled in 2015. They offer a traditional BSN, an LPN to BSN program and a second degree BSN program. The mission of the University of Kentucky College of Nursing is to promote health and well-being through excellence in nursing education, research, practice and service while fostering diversity and inclusion.

Campus: Lexington, KY
Net Price: $14,839.00
Enrollment: 21,441
Loan Default Rate: 7.20%
Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Hybrid

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 14.89%
Graduation Rate: 60.40%
Median Borrowing: $16,378.00
Median Payment: $171.01
Award Levels: Bachelor, Post Master, Post-Baccalaureate Doctorate, Post-Master Doctorate
Program Accreditation(s): AANP, CCNE

RANKED 4

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: 4.8145196.29%

Western Kentucky University

1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, KY - 42101-1000
(270) 745-0111

Campus: Bowling Green, KY
Net Price: $10,597.00
Enrollment: 17,509
Transfer Out Rate: 28.20%
Loan Default Rate: 13.70%
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: -4.33%
Graduation Rate: 50.30%
Median Borrowing: $17,250.00
Median Payment: $180.11
Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Masters, Post Master, Post-Master Doctorate
Program Accreditation(s): AANP, CCNE

RANKED 5

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: 4.7785195.57%

Morehead State University

University Blvd, Morehead, KY - 40351
(606) 783-2000

Campus: Morehead, KY
Net Price: $10,119.00
Enrollment: 10,076
Loan Default Rate: 12.50%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 12.57%
Graduation Rate: 44.60%
Median Borrowing: $14,662.00
Median Payment: $153.09
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED 6

BSN

Overall Score: 4.6785193.57%

Bellarmine University

2001 Newburg Rd, Louisville, KY - 40205-0671
(502) 272-8263

Bellarmine University is located in Louiseville, Kentucky. The Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing offer a traditional BSN program, an accelerated 2nd degree option and an RN to BSN option. They also offer various master’s level and doctoral programs for students who desire to further their education after graduating with their BSN degree.

Campus: Louisville, KY
Net Price: $23,977.00
Enrollment: 2,593
Loan Default Rate: 5.30%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 8.36%
Graduation Rate: 66.50%
Median Borrowing: $21,500.00
Median Payment: $224.48
Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED 7

BSN

Overall Score: 4.643192.86%

University of Louisville

2301 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY - 40292-0001
(502) 852-5555

University of Louisville is located in Louisville, Kentucky. They have BSN degree options in various campuses. Their RN to BSN degree option is offered online. Their graduate options are unique; for example, they have a DNP that is offered for the BSN student; the BSN student can pursue it after graduation, rather than pursuing an MSN first.

Campus: Louisville, KY
Net Price: $13,875.00
Enrollment: 15,954
Loan Default Rate: 9.60%
Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 14.02%
Graduation Rate: 53.50%
Median Borrowing: $14,000.00
Median Payment: $146.18
Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters, Post Master
Program Accreditation(s): AANP, CCNE

RANKED 8

BSN

Overall Score: 4.55191.00%

Northern Kentucky University

Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY - 41099
(859) 572-5100

Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, Kentucky. They offer a BSN program and an accelerated BSN program. The accelerated BSN program is strictly for second degree students; at this time, they do not offer an RN to BSN program.

Campus: Highland Heights, KY
Net Price: $9,044.00
Enrollment: 12,794
Loan Default Rate: 9.90%
Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 15.45%
Graduation Rate: 37.70%
Median Borrowing: $18,272.00
Median Payment: $190.78
Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, Masters, Post Master
Program Accreditation(s): AANP, CCNE

RANKED 9

BSN

Overall Score: 4.3215186.43%

Berea College

101 Chestnut Street, Berea, KY - 40404-2182
(859) 985-3000

Campus: Berea, KY
Net Price: $2,323.00
Enrollment: 1,623
Loan Default Rate: 12.80%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: -30.74%
Graduation Rate: 61.70%
Median Borrowing: $5,234.00
Median Payment: $54.65
Award Levels: Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED 10

BSN

Overall Score: 4.2855185.71%

Murray State University

218 Wells Hall, Murray, KY - 42071-3318
(270) 809-3011

Campus: Murray, KY
Net Price: $9,765.00
Enrollment: 9,172
Loan Default Rate: 10.20%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 4.09%
Graduation Rate: 53.10%
Median Borrowing: $16,035.00
Median Payment: $167.42
Award Levels: Bachelor, Post-Master Doctorate
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED 11

BSN

Overall Score: 4.243184.86%

Spalding University

901 S Fourth Street, Louisville, KY - 40203-2188
(502) 585-9911

Campus: Louisville, KY
Net Price: $16,432.00
Enrollment: 1,371
Loan Default Rate: 8.70%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: -6.45%
Graduation Rate: 40.20%
Median Borrowing: $23,000.00
Median Payment: $240.15
Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED 12

BSN

Overall Score: 4.157183.14%

Thomas More College

333 Thomas More Parkway, Crestview Hills, KY - 41017-3495
(859) 341-5800

Campus: Crestview Hills, KY
Net Price: $19,317.00
Enrollment: 1,502
Transfer Out Rate: 7.60%
Loan Default Rate: 7.30%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 3.77%
Graduation Rate: 56.60%
Median Borrowing: $21,000.00
Median Payment: $219.26
Award Levels: Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 13

BSN

Overall Score: 4.025180.50%

Lindsey Wilson College

210 Lindsey Wilson St, Columbia, KY - 42728-1223
(270) 384-2126

Campus: Columbia, KY
Net Price: $15,442.00
Enrollment: 2,200
Loan Default Rate: 15.90%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: -1.30%
Graduation Rate: 28.70%
Median Borrowing: $14,000.00
Median Payment: $146.18
Award Levels: Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED 14

BSN

Overall Score: 3.9215178.43%

Kentucky Christian University

100 Academic Pkwy, Grayson, KY - 41143-1199
(606) 474-3000

Campus: Grayson, KY
Net Price: $19,450.00
Enrollment: 559
Loan Default Rate: 11.90%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 15.77%
Graduation Rate: 38.70%
Median Borrowing: $10,250.00
Median Payment: $107.02
Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED N/A*

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: N/A*

Beckfield College-Florence

16 Spiral Drive, Florence, KY - 41042
(8.5) 937-2E+12

Campus: Florence, KY
Net Price: $24,649.00
Enrollment: 807
Loan Default Rate: 24.80%
Programs: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Private For-Profit
Net Price Change: 18.24%
Graduation Rate: 30.60%
Median Borrowing: $14,083.00
Median Payment: $147.04
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED N/A*

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: N/A*

University of Pikeville

147 Sycamore St, Pikeville, KY - 41501
(606) 218-5250

Campus: Pikeville, KY
Net Price: $15,221.00
Enrollment: 1,738
Loan Default Rate: 12.50%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: -9.11%
Graduation Rate: 28.60%
Median Borrowing: $9,950.00
Median Payment: $103.89
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED N/A*

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: N/A*

Kentucky State University

400 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY - 40601-2355
(502) 597-6000

Campus: Frankfort, KY
Net Price: $11,635.00
Enrollment: 2,370
Transfer Out Rate: 14.80%
Loan Default Rate: 28.60%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 28.07%
Graduation Rate: 18.40%
Median Borrowing: $18,860.00
Median Payment: $196.92
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED N/A*

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: N/A*

Galen College of Nursing-Louisville

1031 Zorn Avenue , Suite 400, Louisville, KY - 40207
(502) 410-6200

Campus: Louisville, KY
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private For-Profit
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED N/A*

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: N/A*

Daymar College-Owensboro

3361 Buckland Sq, Owensboro, KY - 42301
(270) 926-4040

Campus: Owensboro, KY
Net Price: $23,343.00
Enrollment: 122
Loan Default Rate: 24.10%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private For-Profit
Net Price Change: -29.52%
Graduation Rate: 37.50%
Median Borrowing: $14,533.00
Median Payment: $151.74
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED N/A*

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: N/A*

Midway College

512 E. Stephens St, Midway, KY - 40347-1120
(859) 846-4421

Campus: Midway, KY
Net Price: $18,624.00
Enrollment: 1,247
Transfer Out Rate: 21.70%
Loan Default Rate: 10.30%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 14.48%
Graduation Rate: 47.60%
Median Borrowing: $15,400.00
Median Payment: $160.79
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s):

Helpful Nursing Resources

Kentucky Registered Nursing Salaries

A majority of the registered nurses are working in the Louisville area. Nurses in this area also make the highest annual median wage.

Area name	Employment	Hourly median wage	Annual median wage
Bowling Green, KY		$26.89	$55,930
Elizabethtown, KY	780	$28.67	$59,640
Lexington-Fayette, KY	6,880	$28.23	$58,720
Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN	15,220	$29.18	$60,690
Owensboro, KY	880	$25.21	$52,430
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area	3,810	$23.35	$48,570
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area	3,750	$26.70	$55,540
West Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area	2,800	$26.26	$54,630
East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area	3,250	$25.30	$52,620

Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data

RN Programs in Kentucky

Kentucky RN Programs at a Glance

RN Programs Offered in Kentucky

ADN Program Stats

BSN Program Stats

Help You Will Find on This Page

Kentucky RN Program Guide

ADN Programs in Kentucky

NCLEX Passing Rates for Kentucky ADN Programs

How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in Kentucky?

Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs

ADN Programs at Public or Private Institutions

BSN Programs in Kentucky

NCLEX Passing Rates for Kentucky BSN Programs

How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in Kentucky?

Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs

BSN Programs at Public or Private Institutions

MSN Programs in Kentucky

Kentucky RN Licensing Requirements

RN Licensure by Exam

RN Licensure by Endorsement

RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad

RN Salaries in Kentucky

Kentucky Registered Nursing Salaries

Best RN Programs in Kentucky

Overall Score: 4.8145196.29%

Overall Score: 4.7355194.71%

Overall Score: 4.6855193.71%

Overall Score: 4.6785193.57%

Overall Score: 4.607192.14%

Overall Score: 4.6192.00%

Overall Score: 4.5855191.71%

Overall Score: 4.5785191.57%

Overall Score: 4.4785189.57%

Overall Score: 4.4645189.29%

Overall Score: 4.4355188.71%

Overall Score: 4.4145188.29%

Overall Score: 4.407188.14%

Overall Score: 4.3715187.43%

Overall Score: 4.357187.14%

Overall Score: 4.293185.86%

Overall Score: 4.2855185.71%

Overall Score: 4.2785185.57%

Overall Score: 4.2285184.57%

Overall Score: 4.2184.00%

Overall Score: 4.1785183.57%

Overall Score: 4.11182.20%

Overall Score: 4.0785181.57%

Overall Score: 4.05181.00%

Overall Score: 4180.00%

Overall Score: 3.943178.86%

Overall Score: 2.81156.20%

Overall Score: N/A*

Helpful Nursing Resources

Overall Score: 51100.00%

Overall Score: 4.9215198.43%

Overall Score: 4.8645197.29%

Overall Score: 4.8145196.29%

Overall Score: 4.7785195.57%

Overall Score: 4.6785193.57%

Overall Score: 4.643192.86%

Overall Score: 4.55191.00%

Overall Score: 4.3215186.43%

Overall Score: 4.2855185.71%

Overall Score: 4.243184.86%

Overall Score: 4.157183.14%

Overall Score: 4.025180.50%

Overall Score: 3.9215178.43%

Overall Score: N/A*

Overall Score: N/A*

Overall Score: N/A*

Overall Score: N/A*

Overall Score: N/A*

Overall Score: N/A*

Helpful Nursing Resources

Kentucky Registered Nursing Salaries

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