RN Programs in Kentucky
Kentucky RN Programs at a Glance
RN Programs Offered in Kentucky
- ADN Programs: 27
- BSN Programs: 14
ADN Program Stats
- NCLEX-RN Average: 87%
- NCLEX Rate Range: 57% to 95%
- Average Net-Price $10,793.42
- Net-Price Range: $5,829.00 to $24,649.00
- Average Student Loan: $10,897.04
BSN Program Stats
- NCLEX-RN Average: 89%
- NCLEX Rate Range: 73% to 99%
- Average Net-Price $13,853.43
- Net-Price Range: $2,323.00 to $23,977.00
- Average Student Loan: $15,892.64
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
Hopkinsville Community College has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in Kentucky of 95.38%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $7,015.00 a year.
- ADN Programs Offered in Kentucky: 27
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 87.02%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 56.83% to 95.38%
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 89.50%. 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: $10,793.42
- 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: $10,897.04
- Student borrowing range for ADN programs in Kentucky: $6,962.00 to $18,860.00
ADN Programs at Public or Private Institutions
- Public Institutions: 19
- 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
Eastern Kentucky University wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in Kentucky with a score of 98.63%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $11,383.00 a year.
- BSN Programs Offered in Kentucky: 14
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 88.85%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 73.00% to 98.63%
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 88.13%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by Bellarmine University and will cost you about $23,977.00 and it has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 94.00%.
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in Kentucky: $13,853.43
- Net-Price Range for Kentucky BSN Programs: $2,323.00 to $23,977.00
Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Kentucky Schools: $15,892.64
- Student borrowing range for BSN programs in Kentucky: $5,234.00 to $23,000.00
BSN Programs at Public or Private Institutions
- Public Institutions: 7
- Private For-Profit Institutions: 0
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 7
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:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
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
Ranked Schools: 27
Evaluated Schools: 27
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 27 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 / BSN
Overall Score: 98.52%
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, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 2
ADN
Overall Score: 98.52%
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
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 3
ADN
Overall Score: 96.04%
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): ACEN
RANKED 4
ADN
Overall Score: 95.78%
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 5
ADN
Overall Score: 95.04%
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 6
ADN
Overall Score: 94.33%
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): ACEN
RANKED 7
ADN
Overall Score: 92.96%
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): ACEN
RANKED 8
ADN
Overall Score: 92.93%
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): ACEN
RANKED 9
ADN
Overall Score: 92.26%
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
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 10
ADN
Overall Score: 91.93%
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): ACEN
RANKED 11
ADN
Overall Score: 91.26%
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
- 4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, KY - 42002-7380
- (270) 554-9200
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): ACEN
RANKED 12
ADN
Overall Score: 90.30%
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): ACEN
RANKED 13
ADN
Overall Score: 89.85%
Campbellsville University
- 1 University Dr, Campbellsville, KY - 42718-2799
- (270) 789-5000
- 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
Overall Score: 88.56%
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 15
ADN
Overall Score: 87.96%
Maysville Community and Technical College
- 1755 U.S. Hwy 68, Maysville, KY - 41056
- (606) 759-7141
- 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 16
ADN
Overall Score: 87.89%
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
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 17
ADN
Overall Score: 87.78%
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): ACEN
RANKED 18
ADN
Overall Score: 87.74%
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): ACEN
RANKED 19
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 87.63%
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): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 20
ADN
Overall Score: 86.67%
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 21
ADN
Overall Score: 86.19%
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): ACEN
RANKED 22
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 84.48%
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, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 23
ADN
Overall Score: 84.15%
Beckfield College-Florence
- 16 Spiral Drive, Florence, KY - 41042
- (859) 371-9393
- 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
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 24
ADN
Overall Score: 83.30%
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
- One Bert Combs Dr, Prestonsburg, KY - 41653
- (606) 886-3863
- 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: 75.85%
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
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 26
ADN
Overall Score: 75.59%
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 27
ADN
Overall Score: 58.07%
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
- 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
Nursing Specialties: Nursing Specialties | RN Salary Guide: Registered Nurse Salary | LPN Salary Guide: LPN Salary | Online Associates Nursing Program | Nursing Schools in Arizona | Nursing Schools in Maryland | RN Programs in the United States | For information about how we rank RN programs, please see our ranking methodology.
Helpful Nursing Resources
Ranked Schools: 13
Evaluated Schools: 14
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 BSN degree programs Kentucky.
With more than 14 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: 100.00%
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 2
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 99.37%
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, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 3
BSN
Overall Score: 99.33%
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, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 4
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 99.00%
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): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 5
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 97.37%
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, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 6
BSN
Overall Score: 96.67%
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 7
BSN
Overall Score: 94.04%
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: Family Nurse Practitioner, 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, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 8
BSN
Overall Score: 93.26%
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\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 9
BSN
Overall Score: 92.26%
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\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 10
BSN
Overall Score: 85.70%
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: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 4.09%
- Graduation Rate: 53.10%
- Median Borrowing: $16,035.00
- Median Payment: $167.42
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 11
BSN
Overall Score: 83.93%
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 12
BSN
Overall Score: 80.33%
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: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid
- 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, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 13
BSN
Overall Score: 72.07%
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: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- 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): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED N/A*
BSN
Overall Score: N/A*
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
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
Nursing Specialties: Nursing Specialties | RN Salary Guide: Registered Nurse Salary | LPN Salary Guide: LPN Salary | Online Associates Nursing Program | Nursing Schools in Arizona | Nursing Schools in Maryland | RN Programs in the United States | For information about how we rank RN programs, please see our ranking methodology.
Helpful Nursing Resources
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