Kentucky has several online community colleges that provide students with the flexibility, affordability, and accessibility to complete associate degree programs efficiently and effectively. For students interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree, most online community colleges in Kentucky offer transferable credits to help students make a smooth transition into a baccalaureate program. Many of Kentucky’s most popular online community colleges are housed under the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, which has provided over 20 years of distance education for its students.
View our methodology for more details about our ranked Salary Score list or learn more about OnlineU. You can also explore Kentucky's best online colleges for additional options and inspiration.
2025 Best Online Community Colleges in Kentucky
Rank | School | Salary Score | B- | 4,118 | B- | 2,116 | N/A | 1,186 | N/A | 1,283 | N/A | 1,046 |
As a campus in the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS), Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) is a public, two-year institution in Louisville offering . A little over a third of JCTC students participate exclusively in online-only education. Popular fields of study include business, education, social work, engineering, pre-nursing, criminal justice, and computer and information technologies. Programs are traditional in length, taking an average of two years of full-time study. JCTC has an open admission policy and accepts all students. It has a 21% graduation rate. Campuses in the state community college system, including JCTC, use Blackboard for online program delivery. JCTC has a 23:1 student-to-faculty ratio. JCTC offers several scholarship opportunities for prospective and current students to help make attending college more affordable. Awards vary by scholarship; a financial aid officer can help determine availability and eligibility. #2
Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) is a public institution where prospective students can pursue several . BCTC offers programs in graphic design, office administration, human services, and many more. BCTC aims to provide degree programs that help students land in-demand jobs. BCTC facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning through the learning management system (LMS) Blackboard. Some examples of associate degree programs at BCTC include administrative office technology, business administration, computer and information technologies, and criminal justice. Online student support includes a virtual bookstore, advising, and tutoring services. #3
At Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC), a public institution, future students can discover several . For students looking to transfer to a four-year university after graduation, ECTC also offers pre-baccalaureate/transfer programs to help them successfully integrate into a bachelor’s program later on. In addition, ECTC offers certificate programs to advance students' skills and career readiness further. ECTC's online students complete coursework in asynchronous and synchronous formats through the LMS Blackboard. Some of ECTC’s online degree programs are medical information technology, criminal justice, business administration, human services, and more. Remote student resources include mental health counseling, a virtual library, tutoring, and career services. #4
West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) is a public institution offering several for prospective students looking to further their education. WKCTC has been delivering online degree programs for over 20 years. Future students can choose associate degrees or certificate programs. At WKCTC, distance learners complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously via Blackboard. Some examples of programs offered through this LMS include business administration systems, computer and information systems, marine technology, and logistics and operations management. Online student support services include a virtual bookstore, counseling, tutoring, and advising. #5
Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) is a public institution offering various . BSCTC’s online programs allow students to complete coursework from anywhere, and the credits are easily transferable to baccalaureate programs at other schools. This community college also offers online certificate programs as well. BSCTC facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning through Blackboard. A few examples of BSCTC’s online associate degree programs are education, medical information technology, and visual communications. Some of BSCTC’s remote student resources include tutoring, an online library, and advising services. #6
Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC) is a public institution that aims to make online learning affordable and accessible for its students. Future students can explore a variety of in specialties like science, the arts, human services, and more. HCTC students complete online coursework through Blackboard, which is delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats. Some of HCTC’s online associate degree programs focus on computer information technologies, unmanned systems technology, interdisciplinary early childhood education, and medical information technologies — to name a few subjects. Online students at HCTC can access resources like tutoring, advising, therapy assistance, and career services. #7
Maysville Community and Technical College (MCTC) is a branch of KCTCS offering in areas of study such as administrative office technology, early childhood education, and computer and information technology that includes several tracks. Of all MCTMS students, 36% enroll in distance-only education. While most online associate degree programs at MCTC take two years of full-time study, the online computer and information technology program may only take around 16 months. As with all KCTCS campuses, MCTC has a 100% acceptance rate. On average, 36% of those who enroll graduate with degrees. MCTC students use Blackboard to access their online classes and instruction. Its student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. MCTC is known for its affordability. It costs about $4,700 annually, nearly four times less than comparable schools. While it offers a limited number of scholarships each year, students are always encouraged to apply. Applying for all MCTC Foundation scholarships requires completing only one application. #8
KCTCS’ Madisonville Community College (MCC) offers in fields such as agriculture, paralegal technology, human services, and medical information technology with several concentrations. In alignment with other KCTCS schools, MCC enrolls about a third of its students in distance-only education. Most of MCC’s online associate degrees take two years of full-time study. However, MCC offers many certificate programs in fields such as agriculture and medical information technology that can be completed in as few as two terms. It accepts all applicants since it has an open admission policy, and 44% of students graduate. MCC gives distance learners access to Blackboard to participate asynchronously in classes. It has a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes, allowing individualized instruction. Distance learners can access MCC’s online Career Coach to take career assessments, build resumes, and start thinking about life after college. #9
Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) in rural Kentucky is a KCTCS campus offering in areas such as communications, psychology, biology, and mathematics. A quarter of OCTC students participate in distance-only learning. It generally takes full-time students two years to complete 60 credits to graduate with an associate degree from OCTC and begin pursuing the job market at the entry-level or prepare to transfer to a four-year institution. OCTC accepts all applicants through its open admission policy. It has a 37% graduation rate. OCTC distance learners rely on Blackboard for online coursework and instruction. Its student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1. Remote learners receive access to student services such as Blackboard learning guides, online student training materials, and the Training & Learning Center. #10
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKCTC) in Cumberland offers focusing on elementary education, pre-med, pre-vet, engineering, business administration with a management track, and psychology. About a third of students enroll exclusively online. Online degree courses generally take two years of full-time study. SKCTC accepts all applicants and has a 37% graduation rate. As with other schools in the KCTCS system, SKCTC online students use Blackboard for distance learning. SKCTC has a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. In addition to an online associate degree in business, SKCTC offers a robust curriculum of non-degree business certificates in specialties — such as accounting, human resources management, real estate, social media marketing, and team leadership. #11
Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) offers fewer than other KCTCS schools. Areas of study include biology, pre-physical therapy, psychology, and engineering. As with other KCTCS schools, 30% of ACTC students enroll in online-only education. Students taking more than 15 credits per semester can finish these online degree programs in less than two years. ACTC has a 100% acceptance rate; approximately one-third of students graduate with degrees. ACTC online students participate in class via Blackboard. It’s a small college with a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. ACTC boasts the lowest tuition in the state, averaging just over $4,700. This is about a quarter of what it costs to attend comparable two-year colleges. ACTC also offers dozens of scholarships for new and current students to help lower the burden of student debt. Student Reviews of Online Associate ProgramsMy Fellows', Review Date: 7/18/2025 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No I love UMA I am taking my course online and I love it. It gives me time to do my work for the class in a timely matter. I am able to go to work and do my chores or other things I need to get done for the day and still have time to do my homework, without stressing out. Review Date: 12/18/2023 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No Everyone at UMA are extremely knowledgeable and are available to help when needed. I have really enjoyed attending UMA. I love how all the instructors are always posting and sending words of encouragement. They make it a point to show all students respect. The work is clear to understand and it is interesting. Review Date: 11/28/2023 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes There are a lot of mixed reviews about SNHU's education quality, but personally, I could've never gotten where I am now without it. After high school, I went to art school and dropped out after a semester. Then I has a depressive episode for 4 years. A year ago, I decided to get it together and enrolled in SNHU for a second shot at life. A year later, and now I'm transferring to Temple University this fall to get a BS in environmental science. I never could've done it without my resources- my parents... Read More Review Date: 6/29/2020 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No I am currently enrolled in the Gunsmith 2 year course. I am amazed how much I did not know about things like reloading,swaging and the like. Paul is an amazing instructor and he is a valuable asset to SDI……for the haters all I can say is quit being losers and do your homework….and grow up. Review Date: 11/24/2021 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No I just started summer of 2021. So far I love online learning, and my professors had made it really easy to understand what is expected of me. I was nervous about communication, but so far I have not had any communication challenges. My admission experience was wonderful, and I fortunately got to work with Jasmine. She was very informative and really explained the process well and kept me on track. I am excited to see where my education at St. Catherine's takes me. Review Date: 5/23/2021 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No My learning experience at Ultimate Medical Academy has been exceptional. All of the instructors were very involved in your learning. Academic Services proved to great and instrumental in my learning and maintaining a high grade point average. I only have awesome reviews for the school. I would whole heartily recommend UMA to anyone wanting a great education. Review Date: 9/29/2020 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No I wanted to give this school a review, I've been waiting to graduate and I just did! Oct. 9, 2018. I am so happy that I did go to this school, it gave me the flexibility and most of all, the cost. I enjoyed it so much, I referred to my own son - who has a full-time job and also requiring flexibility. Yes, the school is not perfect but is it Nationally Accredited, they also have affiliations with other Regionally Accredited schools that you can later transfer credit! I have referred over 3 people... Read More Review Date: 10/23/2018 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes I was HIGHLY skeptical of online learning. I was wrong! Ashworth was amazing!!! They were not only right there to help at every stage of the process but they hid nothing! Anyone who says otherwise didn't read enrollment agreement or couldn't handle the work! It is hard. You have to hold yourself accountable the entire time and no it's not easy. Going to class is so much easier. You have to self discipline. Ashworth advisors were AMAZING!! There was never a time I needed help and couldn't find someone... Read More Review Date: 5/9/2016 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes They were so helpful during my time there but afterwards it was a different story. No support of any kind. Career services suck horribly. My thoughts exactly. No changing of words or mind. Now that I think about it, I would have chosen another school with a better reputation, commitment, and long term assistance. Review Date: 4/14/2017 Would Recommend: No Helpful for Career: No Penn Foster College is an excellent choice. Penn Foster College is The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) -accredited institution, and an affordable way to get a quality education with no debt !...Thank you Penn Foster for changing my life ! Review Date: 8/27/2016 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes This school, like any school has its ups and downs. I just graduated this month and have many opportunities ahead of me in the near and distant future. This school is great for those of us that are too busy for the usual brick and mortar school (kids, family, job, etc). The downside of this school is that you pretty much have to teach yourself for the most part in the first year. You will not have clinicals until you are close to your second year. A great thing now is the school just recently started... Read More Review Date: 9/23/2015 Would Recommend: No Helpful for Career: Yes Inspite of what you have probably read, this review will be more on the positive side. With these other reviews out there, you might be asking, "how could this be?" My experience began with a placement advisor that assisted me with all my initial exams, application paperwork, degree plans descriptions to help me better choose the path I would eventually follow. He even checked in on me a few months down the road. After, I was assigned to an academic team that has been assisting me since. Have I had... Read More Review Date: 5/4/2015 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No Tell us about your college experience. I started taking online courses and at first I loved it. The first course and professor was amazing. The second course was so boring that I thought I would die. There is no interaction with your classmates at all. Everything is done via e-mail and that's it. I thought we would have some type of interaction online but no. And, I knew going into it that Liberty is a Christian school but they take it to the extreme. The last class I was taking was psychology. We... Read More Review Date: 7/26/2013 Would Recommend: No Helpful for Career: No Don’t let these reviews stop you from perusing this school. Granted I’m just finishing my first term, but I am BEYOND happy with my education so far. My teacher keeps us very well informed and engaged the entire class. He offers tutoring if you feel like you can’t quite grasp what you’re learning and we are constantly being taught information that we need to know for our boards when we graduate. I see in a lot of these reviews that they just want your money and don’t care about your education, I... Read More Review Date: 11/14/2023 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No I enjoy the school it is great I would recommend or others. I learn a lot and look forwards to my career in the field. Lots of hands on work. Feels like I am already working, lots of experience in the field just from school. And online classes is not a problem Review Date: 2/7/2023 Would Recommend: No Helpful for Career: No My experience here at FCC, has been nothing short of amazing. My instructor really took the time out for me when I needed extra assistance. I really enjoy the atmosphere and the environment is so positive and welcoming. I definitely would recommend to all of my friends and family to attend this school, if they’re looking to further their career!!! Review Date: 3/21/2023 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) was a good school, especially for just recently becoming a four year college. It's a little lackluster in some areas, such as anything having to do with a writing or English affiliated degree, but overall pretty extensive for still being in the process of expanding. Hopefully they will add more classes in the years to come. The sports at EFSC are great - especially the soccer team - and the school's wonderful diversity of students most likely due to it's recent... Read More Review Date: 7/27/2016 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No The teachers are helpful and other administrators and help you do anything when getting your education. I wish I went there all the time. The campus is nice and clean and I love it there. Review Date: 8/7/2014 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No I went in with an opened mind and I think I got out of it somewhat of a good. Experience? The teachers are actually industry professionals. In meaning they really teach and act like the class is a job. So the criticism is good and tough. I liked that because it makes you dig deeper into a better designer. Its one building with all the classes. So it feels like a you're at a job. You get how much you put in. My professors really graded so the work can be better. In all I liked it but it was too much... Read More Review Date: 7/5/2019 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Why Trust Us?27 Data Researchers 60,000 Degrees Researched Annually 20,000 Hours Spent on Research Annually Launching Rankings Since 2009 Related Articles |
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