Affordable Online Degrees for Kentucky Residents
ACE programs built to fit your needs
ACE vs. Online Colleges in Kentucky
to $1 ROI
For every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.7
If you’re currently considering career advancement through higher education, you’re likely researching institutions close to home. Yet, while the colleges in your state may be nearby, they may not provide the return on investment you’re looking for.
American College of Education (ACE) is a fully online college dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and professional goals through affordable and career-focused programs designed with the flexible courses working professionals need.
Our high student satisfaction¹ reflects our commitment to supporting students with practical coursework, personalized support and high-quality programs that can help them advance in today’s workforce. We’re proud to offer that experience to Kentucky residents.
Why Choose ACE?
From your first application through graduation and beyond, ACE is committed to helping you succeed. You’ll earn a respected education while maintaining the flexibility and affordability needed to balance work, family and other responsibilities.
How ACE Compares
Kentucky is home to several established universities, including the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Eastern Kentucky University and Western Kentucky University. While these institutions offer online learning opportunities, ACE is a digital native. Every aspect of the student experience, from course design to student support, was built specifically for effective online learning.
That means you’ll benefit from a learning environment designed around flexibility, accessibility and robust student support from day one. Even the best online colleges in Kentucky weren’t originally built for online education. Compare your options and see why thousands of students have chosen ACE.
| ACE | University of Kentucky | University of Louisville | Eastern Kentucky University | Western Kentucky University | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Delivery | Fully online courses2 | Select online options | Select online options | Select online options | Select online options |
| Built for working adults | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Start dates per year | 11 starts | 2-4 starts | 2-5 starts | 2-5 starts | 2-6 starts |
| Student to faculty ratio | 11:13 | 18:14 | 14:14 | 17:14 | 19:14 |
| Cost (online master’s) | Most under $10,0005 (total program cost) | $14,6444 (average annual in-state cost) | $15,1284 (average annual in-state cost) | $10,7944 (average annual in-state cost) | $12,1404 (average annual in-state cost) |
| GRE requirement | Never | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Published tuition and fee figures for comparison institutions reflect annual costs rather than total program cost. As master’s programs commonly span multiple academic years, total costs at comparison institutions may exceed the annual amounts shown.
Our Commitment to Affordable Tuition
As you compare online colleges in Kentucky, it’s important to look closely at their annual tuition rates vs. ACE’s transparent, total costs. Pursuing a degree can have a lasting impact on your financial future.
That’s why ACE is committed to providing a high-quality education at a price that you can both understand and fit within your budget. In fact, 87% of ACE students graduate without student loan debt.6
Our Unique Academic Experience
At ACE, our curriculum is designed in-house by academic experts who continuously review and update programs to align with evolving industry standards, workplace expectations and professional best practices.
Our faculty are experienced practitioners and leaders in their respective fields, bringing real-world insight directly into the classroom. As a result, you’ll gain knowledge and skills that can be applied immediately in your career.
Your experience also includes:
- A streamlined learning environment: Each course follows a familiar structure, allowing you to spend less time figuring out where to find materials and more time engaging with your coursework
- Flexibility that fits your schedule: Most programs do not require live class sessions, giving you the freedom to complete assignments when it works best for you
- Resources designed for student success: From writing support and tutoring services to a robust digital library, you’ll have access to tools and guidance that help you stay on track from your first course through graduation
Programs That Advance Careers
We’re accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and have the online programs you need to advance your career.
Business
Dive into today’s business landscape and discover how to address its challenges with relevant skills, practices and technologies that are designed to make a difference.
Healthcare
Healthcare administrators and public health professionals are a driving force in ensuring quality patient care. ACE prepares you to succeed in non-clinical healthcare roles.
Nursing
Nurses looking to become leaders or educators should look no further than ACE to support their career goals with innovative and applicable practices that lead to positive patient outcomes.
FAQs
Is ACE authorized to offer programs to students in Kentucky?
ACE is approved to enroll students in Kentucky and other SARA participating states through its home-state authorization in Indiana. Read about this agreement to learn more about how ACE supports out-of-state enrollments.
What do ACE programs offer that online Kentucky colleges might not?
While many Kentucky universities have added online programs over time, every aspect of the ACE experience was created with online learning in mind. Combined with affordable tuition and career-focused curriculum, this helps students pursue their goals without putting their lives on hold. Plus, with every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.7
1Student Right to Know. Accessed June 9, 2026.
2Some programs also have local practicum, internship or student teaching requirements.
3Internal research conducted in March 2026
4CollegeTuitionCompare: University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Eastern Kentucky University, Western Kentucky University. Accessed June 9, 2026.
5This is an estimated value of the cost for tuition and fees. Amounts may vary depending on number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program, receipt of institutional scholarship and/or grant amounts, or adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section. State sales and use tax will apply where required by law.
6Internal research completed in November 2025