Best Nursing Programs in Kentucky (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 173 accredited nursing programs across 39 schools in Kentucky. The fastest listed completion time is 12 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 92.1% first-time pass rate. RNs in Kentucky earn $68,150/year on average (BLS).
173
Programs
39
Schools
12 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
92.1%
Avg NCLEX (5)
98
Online / Hybrid
$68K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Kentucky nursing programs at a glance
- 173 accredited nursing programs across 39 schools in Kentucky (0 LPN, 1 ADN, 10 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 12 months (Accelerated BSN at Vanderbilt University).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 97% (Vanderbilt University).
- 98 online or hybrid programs serve Kentucky students (2 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Kentucky: $68,150 (BLS) · 5.4% projected job growth through 2032.
Kentucky nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 173 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 39 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 0 LPN · 1 ADN · 10 BSN · 65 MSN · 24 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | Accelerated BSN at Vanderbilt University — 12 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 92.1% average across 5 programs with published data · high: 97% (Vanderbilt University) |
| Delivery formats | 91 online · 7 hybrid · 2 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $68,150/yr (BLS) · 5.4% projected growth through 2032 |
BSN Programs in Kentucky
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Showing 100 of 173 programs from our directory for Kentucky.
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How to choose a nursing program in Kentucky
Kentucky is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (173 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in Kentucky ($68,150/year, BLS) sit below the national average, so minimizing tuition and time-to-start (waitlists) matters more than brand-name private programs. RN employment in Kentucky is projected to grow 5.4% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in Kentucky means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our Kentucky directory, the fastest listed completion time is 12 months. We track 173 accredited nursing programs in Kentucky — including 11 entry-level RN pathways. Kentucky is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state; multistate practice may be available once Kentucky is your primary residence — especially relevant if you live near Indiana, Missouri, Ohio.
Key takeaways
- Screen Kentucky programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
- Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in Kentucky.
- Kentucky is an NLC compact state — declare primary residence correctly if you need multistate practice near a border.
- Kentucky lists 11 entry-level RN programs; community college ADN plus employer-funded RN-to-BSN is often the lowest total-cost path.
- Listed tuition in Kentucky spans $13,500 to $108,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 98 online or hybrid programs serve Kentucky students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- CE at renewal
- 14 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $68,150 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Kentucky
Programs by Degree Type
65
MSN Programs
24
DNP Programs
10
BSN Programs
1
ADN Programs
Nursing Schools in Kentucky
39 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 97.0% | View |
| Galen College of Nursing | 1 | BSN | 85.3% | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| University of Kentucky College of Nursing | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 95.0% | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Simmons University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Liberty University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Maryville University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Texas at Arlington | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Pennsylvania | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Cincinnati | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Penn State World Campus | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Phoenix | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Kentucky?
There are 173 accredited nursing programs available in Kentucky across 39 schools — including 0 LPN, 1 ADN, 10 BSN, 65 MSN, and 24 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Kentucky?
Nursing program tuition in Kentucky starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $108,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in Kentucky?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Kentucky can be completed in 12 months (Accelerated BSN at Vanderbilt University). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in Kentucky?
Registered nurses in Kentucky earn an average of $68,150 per year ($33/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Kentucky is projected to grow 5.4% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in Kentucky?
Yes. There are 98 online and hybrid nursing programs (91 fully online, 7 hybrid) available to Kentucky residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Kentucky.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Kentucky?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, Vanderbilt University leads at 97% first-time pass rate (Accelerated BSN). Average across 5 programs with data: 92.1%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
What are the nursing license requirements in Kentucky?
To practice nursing in Kentucky, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Kentucky Board of Nursing. Kentucky is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 2 years with 14 continuing education hours required.
Is there a nursing shortage in Kentucky?
Yes. Like most states, Kentucky is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 5.4% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in Kentucky?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Kentucky vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.
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