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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
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.

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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.

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Northern Kentucky University — Accelerated BSN
ABSN•Highland Heights, KY•$10,896 in / $21,480 out
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Eastern Kentucky University — Accelerated BSN
ABSN•Richmond, KY•$10,130 in / $20,820 out
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Bellarmine University — Accelerated BSN
ABSN•Louisville, KY•$56,110
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University of Kentucky — Accelerated BSN
ABSN•Lexington, KY•$17,616
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University of Kentucky — RN to BSN
RN_TO_BSN•Lexington, KY•$26,424
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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

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.

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