10 BEST VALUE ONLINE SCHOOLS IN KENTUCKY

Boasting the highest graduation rate on this Kentucky top online colleges ranking, Asbury University is an attractive option for students seeking an education grounded in the Christian faith. Although all five online bachelor's degrees incorporate spiritual lessons, two ministry-focused degrees in particular will appeal to adults who want to pursue the ministry as a vocation. For example, the Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Ministry targets students who either need a degree to support their existing ministerial work or want to move into this field. But regardless of the program they choose, online learners at Asbury will hone their leadership skills with role-play "learning encounters" and graduate ready to pursue further study or a religious career.

10 years ago, Eastern Kentucky University launched its first online degree program in an effort to help working adults continue their education. Today, EKU is one of the top-rated accredited online schools in Kentucky, repeatedly earning accolades from U.S. News & World Report. And it's easy to see why: the school offers 14 online bachelor's degrees and many more certificates and associate's degrees. Niche programs like the Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security

Besides the standard Blackboard-based courses typical of most online schools, KSU's distance learners also have access to high-tech interactive video conference classes available at regional locations. It's a neat way for students to feel more like they're in the classroom, but it's certainly not necessary if students aren't able to participate. All distance learners have access to regular online classes, and in-state students will appreciate that they're some of the most affordable online college courses in Kentucky. And once students are ready to graduate, the school's Career Counseling, Placement and Cooperative Education Office is ready to help with mock interviews, resume help, and more.

Topping this Kentucky best online degrees ranking is Midway University, a former women's college that only became coed just this year! The school has a storied history: Founded in 1847 with the noble goal of providing a liberal arts education to women and girls, Midway continues to provide top-notch academics today - although now it has extended access to male students as well. Over the course of its expansion, Midway has also added more than 20 fully online undergraduate programs, including highly specialized teaching degrees in a variety of areas, such as Middle School Math and Secondary English. And to top it all off, Midway boasts a strong track record of student success, especially for aspiring teachers. Not only is the overall graduation rate high, but 100% of education undergrads pass the PRAXIS II exam!

Nearly half of Morehead State's undergraduates enroll in online courses, a statistic that plays a big part in the university's high ranking on this list. Also helping? Its impressive selection of affordable online college courses in Kentucky. In addition to highly specific degrees (like the Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences, Leadership in Medical Imaging), Morehead State also offers customizable programs such as the Bachelor of University Studies. Students in this major can explore multiple academic fields, and they aren't required to designate a major, a minor, or even a concentration. Although some may deem this an unconventional choice, MSU claims that, with the help of its career advisors, these graduates can pursue careers in a wide variety of fields.

Although Murray State's affordable in-state tuition makes it a great option for anyone, it's a particularly strong choice for veterans. The university's Office of Veterans Affairs helps former service members learn about benefits, apply for admission, and access an array of support services once they're enrolled. Murray State even offers an Operation Graduation Scholarship, funded by generous donors, that helps veterans buy textbooks. Not only that, but it's the only Yellow Ribbon school on this Kentucky best online colleges ranking, meaning that the VA could pay some or all of a qualifying veteran's tuition as part of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

Among the many schools offering online undergraduate degrees, most offer similar degree programs. But this trend benefits Northern Kentucky University, a school with some unusual distance education courses. For example, NKU is the only school on this Kentucky best online degrees ranking with a fully online Bachelor of Science in Library Informatics. It's a highly specialized program with career opportunities extending well beyond work in a library, and NKU offers a four-year sample course of study with all the relevant coursework laid out. Another specialized option is the degree-completion program in Respiratory Therapy, which students can complete in just 33 hours (providing they have a sufficient number of transfer credits).

Sullivan University's approach to online education dispels the myth that distance learners are missing out by not attending classes in person. The school proudly proclaims that most online course sections don't exceed 25 members, and it even employs a team of mentors who work solely with online learners. Plus, this accredited online school in Kentucky has a truly impressive number of undergraduate programs. From nursing to business administration to accounting, most applicants will find something that suits their career goals. And when graduation day rolls around, Sullivan's career counselors will be standing by, ready to provide relevant opportunities and assistance with applications.

Although the University of Louisville offers online degrees in a variety of programs, its Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning stands out. This innovative, top online degree in Kentucky focuses on workplace development, leadership, and organizational change, and it features three concentrations to help students refine their studies. But regardless of which major they choose, all online learners will wrap up their degree with a comprehensive field project. And UL's transfer policy is sure to grab the attention of impatient individuals. Applicants with related work experience in their major can count that history as prior learning - earning them course credit while saving on costs.

In a departure from the collegiate norm, Western Kentucky University has pioneered the Colonnade Program, a uniform set of general education classes that is mandatory for all undergraduates. This unique didactic approach provides essential bonding opportunities for incoming students and emphasizes the importance of WKU values, such as personal and social responsibility. Given the school's focus on ethics and personal growth, it's no surprise that individualized student support is a top priority. This attitude extends to the virtual classroom, where online learners can access a math lab, tutoring center, writing coaching, and even presentation coaching. With these specialized resources for distance learners - not to mention the affordable tuition rates - WKU easily makes the grade as one of the best online colleges in Kentucky.