Skip to content

Best Nursing Schools in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky has 142 nursing programs across 31 cities. 69 programs report NCLEX pass rates, averaging 86%. Below are the top-ranked programs based on NCLEX performance, tuition, and program type.

Search all Kentucky programsAll states
Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team
142
Total programs
6
Program types
86%
Avg NCLEX rate
69
With NCLEX data

Top BSN Programs in Kentucky by NCLEX Pass Rate

Ranked by most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate. Data sourced from state boards of nursing.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Top ADN, ABSN, MSN & DNP Programs in Kentucky by NCLEX Pass Rate

Non-BSN programs ranked by most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate.

1
2
3
4
5
6
Northern Kentucky University — Accelerated BSN
ABSN•Highland Heights, KY•$10,896 in / $21,480 out
7
Eastern Kentucky University — Accelerated BSN
ABSN•Richmond, KY•$10,130 in / $20,820 out
8
9
10
11
12
13
Bellarmine University — Accelerated BSN
ABSN•Louisville, KY•$56,110
14
15
16
University of Kentucky — Accelerated BSN
ABSN•Lexington, KY•$17,616
17
18
University of Kentucky — RN to BSN
RN_TO_BSN•Lexington, KY•$26,424
19
20

Nursing Programs in Kentucky by Type

ADN
33 programs
Avg NCLEX: 82%
View ADN in Kentucky→All states
BSN
25 programs
Avg NCLEX: 88%
View BSN in Kentucky→All states
ABSN
6 programs
Avg NCLEX: 93%
View ABSN in Kentucky→All states
RN to BSN
12 programs
Avg NCLEX: 91%
View RN to BSN in Kentucky→All states
MSN
15 programs
Avg NCLEX: 91%
View MSN in Kentucky→All states
DNP
26 programs
Avg NCLEX: 91%
View DNP in Kentucky→All states

Nursing Programs in Kentucky by City

Drill into city-level rankings. Showing cities with at least 3 programs.

Louisville (39)Lexington (9)Bowling Green (8)Richmond (8)Highland Heights (7)Florence (5)Murray (5)Campbellsville (4)Morehead (4)Versailles (4)Barbourville (3)Cumberland (3)Frankfort (3)Grayson (3)Hazard (3)Madisonville (3)Midway (3)Pikeville (3)Williamsburg (3)

Most Affordable Nursing Schools in Kentucky

Sorted by lowest available tuition figure (total program or annual in-state).

University of the Cumberlands
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • MSN
$4,560
Ashland Community and Technical College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$4,656 in / $6,192 out
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$4,656 in / $6,192 out
Madisonville Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$4,656 in / $6,192 out
Maysville Community and Technical College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$4,656 in / $6,192 out
Gateway Community and Technical College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$4,656 in / $6,192 out
Somerset Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$4,656 in / $6,192 out
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$4,656 in / $6,192 out
Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$4,656 in / $6,192 out
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$4,656 in / $6,192 out

Frequently Asked Questions

How many nursing schools are in Kentucky?

There are 142 nursing programs in Kentucky, spanning 33 ADN, 25 BSN, 6 ABSN, 12 RN to BSN, 15 MSN, 26 DNP programs.

What is the average NCLEX pass rate in Kentucky?

Based on 69 programs with reported data, the average NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate in Kentucky is 86%. The highest rate is 100% at Western Kentucky University.

What is the cheapest nursing school in Kentucky?

The most affordable option is University of the Cumberlands (MSN) at $4,560.

Compare Kentucky with Nearby States

Considering programs across state lines? Browse nursing schools in neighboring states.

Nursing schools in AlabamaNursing schools in MississippiNursing schools in TennesseeNursing schools in CaliforniaNursing schools in TexasNursing schools in FloridaNursing schools in New YorkNursing schools in Pennsylvania

Helpful Guides for Kentucky Applicants

Background reading on admissions, program length, and costs.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) GuideOnline ADN ProgramsBest Online BSN ProgramsEasiest Nursing Schools to Get IntoTop Online RN-to-BSN ProgramsCheap and Fast Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Want personalized rankings? Complete the intake portal to see match scores tailored to your GPA, exam scores, and preferences.