Kentucky has quietly become one of the easier states in which to earn a business degree without stepping onto a campus. Its public universities have built serious online education options, many of them designed for people who already have a job, a family, and a full calendar.
The tricky part is that no two programs work the same way. One charges a flat total for the whole MBA, another bills by the credit hour, and a third gives you a lower rate only if you qualify for a scholarship. Some programs let you log in whenever it suits you, while others expect you online for live classes on a set evening. The price tags can look similar at first glance and still end up thousands of dollars apart.
To make sense of it all, we looked at seven online degree program options for undergraduate and graduate business study online in 2026: Nexford University, a fully online American university built around working professionals, plus six of Kentucky's best-known public universities. Every competitor cost below comes straight from the school's own tuition or program pages, and we have laid out the format, timeline, accreditation, and ideal student for each one.
Let's find the right fit for you.
What We Compared and Why It Matters
We focused on the details that genuinely change your day-to-day experience and your final bill.
- Published online tuition. We quote the rate each school publishes for its online program, not its on-campus price, and we cite every competitor figure at the bottom of the page. Where a school uses a scholarship rate or charges extra per-credit fees, we spell that out.
- How "online" works in practice. Some programs are fully asynchronous, while others include live, scheduled sessions. Both can work well, but they ask very different things of your week.
- Accreditation, stated precisely. We name who accredits what. An accreditation that covers a whole university is different from one that covers a business school or a single degree.
- Time to finish. A low per-credit rate can still add up if the program is long. We list credit hours and typical timelines so you can compare total commitment, not just sticker price.
- Who it suits best. A first-time college student, an adult finishing a bachelor's, and a manager going after an MBA all need something different. Each school gets a "Best for" tag to help you match quickly.
A Quick Note on Online Education Accreditation
Accreditation is worth a minute of your time, because it affects how employers, licensing boards, and other universities view your degree.
All six Kentucky universities in this guide are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and long described as a "regional" accreditor, which is why you will often hear these schools called regionally accredited. Nexford University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), a national institutional accreditor that is also recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
On top of institutional accreditation, business schools can earn programmatic accreditation. Each Kentucky business school in this guide states that it holds AACSB International accreditation. Nexford's School of Business and Innovation holds programmatic accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), which covers its MBA.
One more tip: belonging to an organization is not the same as being accredited by it. We only call a program accredited when the school's own materials say so. If you plan to use your degree outside the United States, it is also smart to check how it is recognized in that country.
1. Nexford University: Best for Flexible, Affordable, Fully Online Business Degrees
What Makes It Stand Out
Nexford University was created specifically for online learners, so nothing about it is a campus program squeezed into a laptop. You can begin on the first day of any month, study without set class times, and move as quickly as your schedule and motivation allow.
The pricing model is unusual in a good way. Graduate students pay a flat monthly subscription, so finishing sooner means paying less. Undergraduate students pay one course at a time. Tuition is also adjusted by region, which means affordable tuition for learners around the world, including here in Kentucky.
The learning itself is hands-on. The course design is built around real business problems, drawing on companies like Tesla and 3M, and every student is matched with a Career Success Coach from the start rather than near graduation.
Key Program Details
- Format: 100 percent online and asynchronous, with no required live class times.
- Start dates: The first day of every month.
- MBA structure: 12 courses. Each course is designed to take two months, but you can finish one in a single month and add courses as you progress.
- MBA timeline: 9 to 18 months, depending on your pace.
- BBA structure: 40 courses, including general education, core business, and elective courses.
- BBA timeline: 24 to 48 months, depending on your pace and any transfer credit.
- Career support: A dedicated Career Success Coach from your first month.
- Who can enroll: Open to students from all regions, with pricing adjusted by country.
Nexford Programs and Specializations
Nexford's degrees and certificates span the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels, and you can learn online for every one of them. Whether you want a degree or certificate, here is the full lineup.
Undergraduate programs:
MBA and specializations:
Master of Science programs:
Short programs and career pathways:
You can see the full catalog on the Nexford programs page.
Key Cost Details
- MBA pricing model: A monthly subscription of $275 to $450 per month, depending on your country. Learners in the United States see $450 per month.
- MBA total, accelerated pace (about 9 months): Roughly $2,475 to $4,050.
- MBA total, standard pace (about 18 months): Roughly $4,950 to $8,100.
- BBA pricing model: Pay per course, at $120 to $250 per course depending on your country. Learners in the United States see $250 per course.
- BBA total (40 courses over 24 to 48 months): Roughly $4,800 to $10,000.
- Application fee: A one-time, non-refundable $25 fee.
- Course materials: Included in tuition, with no separate textbook bill.
Model your exact cost on the Nexford tuition page.
Accreditation
Nexford University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA. Nexford's School of Business and Innovation also holds programmatic accreditation from IACBE, which applies to the MBA. This is national institutional accreditation plus programmatic business accreditation, not SACSCOC or AACSB accreditation.
Strengths Worth Highlighting
- A start date every month, so you never wait for a fall or spring intake.
- No live class times, which makes it easier to study around shifts, travel, or family life.
- A graduate pricing model that rewards you for finishing faster.
- Among the lowest total costs in this guide, for both the MBA and the bachelor's degree.
- Career coaching and student support included from day one, not offered as extras.
Things to Consider
- Nexford holds U.S. national accreditation from DEAC, not SACSCOC accreditation or AACSB business accreditation. That is widely accepted for business and technology careers, but if an employer, licensing board, or future graduate program specifically asks for SACSCOC or AACSB, check first.
- The IACBE accreditation covers the MBA through the School of Business and Innovation. It is not institution-wide.
- Everything is online, so there is no campus life, in-person cohort, or local Kentucky alumni chapter.
- Nexford is a younger university, founded in 2019, so it does not have the decades of name recognition that Kentucky's flagship schools enjoy.
- Programs focus on business and technology. If you want a degree in another field, look elsewhere.
Who Should Choose Nexford
Kentucky professionals who want to start soon, keep working full-time, and pay a predictable, low total for an American business degree that can help advance their career. It is especially good for self-motivated learners who prefer to set their own schedule. Take a look at the online MBA or the online BBA to see which one fits.
2. University of Kentucky, Gatton College: Best for a Flagship MBA With Live Online Classes
What Makes It Stand Out
The University of Kentucky (UK) is the state's flagship university, and its Gatton College of Business and Economics carries strong name recognition across Kentucky. Its Part-Time MBA lets you attend online in real time, in person in Lexington, or in a mix of both, so you keep the energy of a live classroom even when you log in from home. One nice detail: if you earn your degree with UK Online, your diploma and transcript do not say "online," so it is the same UK degree that on-campus students receive.
At the undergraduate level, the university offers a fully online BA/BS in General Business built for students who already have some college credit, including many transfer students from the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS).
Key Program Details
- MBA format: Online in real time, meaning synchronous lectures for a large share of instruction. Each course meets once a week, never on weekends, and the 2-year path means taking 3 classes per semester.
- MBA credits and timeline: 36 credit hours, on a 2-year or 3-year pathway. Most students choose 2 years.
- MBA options: Electives in analytics, entrepreneurship, human resources, finance, marketing, and supply chain, plus an Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation concentration.
- Bachelor's format: Fully online BA/BS in General Business, 120 total credit hours, with some courses that may meet at set times.
- Next bachelor's start: January 11, 2027 for transfer students.
Key Cost Details
Online MBA (2026-2027 full program rates):
- Two-year online path: $39,398.50 total for tuition and fees, the same for Kentucky residents and non-residents. [1]
- Three-year online path: $39,444.00 total, including mandatory fees. [2]
- For comparison, the on-campus two-year MBA is $41,194.50 for Kentucky residents and $49,740.50 for non-residents, including mandatory fees. [2]
- Distance learning fee: $10 per credit hour when you choose the online option, on top of the program rate. [3]
- Course materials: approximately $2,500 over the program, plus a non-refundable $500 deposit that is applied to your first semester's tuition. [3]
Online BA/BS in General Business (2026-2027):
- Tuition: $667 per credit hour. [4]
- For 2026-2027, this UK Online rate includes mandatory fees, is the same for Kentucky residents and non-residents, and has no full-time cap, so every credit hour is billed. [5]
Delivery format: online at both levels, with live sessions in the MBA. See the UK Online MBA page, the UK program-specific tuition and fees, and the UK undergraduate tuition and fees.
Accreditation
UK is accredited by SACSCOC. The Gatton College of Business and Economics is accredited by AACSB International. [3]
Strengths Worth Highlighting
- Kentucky's flagship university name on your diploma.
- Live online classes that keep real-time interaction with faculty and classmates.
- One online MBA rate for Kentucky residents and out-of-state students alike.
- A bachelor's completion path that is friendly to KCTCS transfer students.
Things to Consider
- The MBA is the highest-priced program in this guide at $39,398.50, before course materials and the distance learning fee. [1]
- Bachelor's tuition is billed for every credit hour with no full-time cap, so taking more courses per semester does not lower the per-credit cost. [5]
- Live weekly sessions mean less flexibility than a fully self-paced program.
- The bachelor's program is designed for students who have already completed some coursework, and some pre-major courses are offered only in summer terms.
Who Should Choose UK
Professionals who value the UK brand and enjoy live, discussion-based classes, and who can commit to a weekly evening schedule for two to three years. Transfer students who want to finish a business bachelor's online at the flagship should take a look too.
3. University of Louisville: Best for an All-Inclusive MBA Price
What Makes It Stand Out
The University of Louisville (UofL) keeps its online MBA pricing refreshingly simple: one bundled amount covers tuition and fees for the whole program. The courses are fully asynchronous, and you focus on one course at a time, roughly every five weeks.
UofL also lets you shape the MBA with certificate options in areas that reflect the region's economy, such as Distilled Spirits Business and Horse Racing Industry Business. Its online Bachelor of Business Administration works for both first-time students and those finishing a degree. BBA students are also backed by a team of enrollment counselors, academic advisors, program leadership staff, and faculty, reflecting a commitment to supporting students from application through graduation.
Key Program Details
- MBA format: 100% online and asynchronous, with no set class meeting times.
- MBA credits and timeline: 45 credit hours (36 core and 9 elective), completed in 20 months, or faster with "dual status."
- MBA certificate options: Business of Healthcare, Distilled Spirits Business, Managerial Analytics, Horse Racing Industry Business, Entrepreneurship, and Franchise Management, plus an optional 10-day business study trip abroad.
- MBA starts: August and January.
- Bachelor's format: 120 credit hours, fully online and asynchronous, with an optional Undergraduate Certificate in Franchise Management.
- Bachelor's transfer credit: Up to 60 hours from a community college or up to 90 hours from an accredited four-year college.
Key Cost Details
Online MBA:
- Bundled tuition and fees: $38,500 for the total program. [6]
- Military rate: $22,500 bundled. [6]
- Online course fee: $10 per credit hour, plus a $65 non-refundable application fee. [6]
Online Bachelor of Business Administration:
- Tuition: $568 per credit hour. [7]
- Military rate: $250 per credit hour. [7]
- Other fees: $10 per credit hour for online courses, $45 per 300/400-level business course, and a $30 non-refundable application fee. [7]
Delivery format: fully online at both levels. See UofL's online tuition rates.
Accreditation
UofL is accredited by SACSCOC, and its online business programs are offered by the AACSB-accredited College of Business. [7]
Strengths Worth Highlighting
- A single bundled MBA price, which makes budgeting easy.
- Fully asynchronous courses, taken one at a time.
- Distinctive certificates tied to Kentucky industries.
- A significantly lower military rate at both levels.
Things to Consider
- At $38,500 for the MBA, UofL sits near the top of the price range in this guide. [6]
- MBA intakes are limited to August and January, so timing matters.
- UofL suggests planning for roughly 15 to 25 hours per week for each three-credit course.
Who Should Choose UofL
Working professionals who want a well-known Louisville name, a predictable all-in MBA price, and the freedom to study on their own schedule. It also suits military-connected students who qualify for the reduced rate.
4. Northern Kentucky University, Haile College: Best for a Fast, Budget-Friendly MBA
What Makes It Stand Out
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) is built for speed and value. Its online MBA runs in 7-week courses, can be completed in as few as 12 months, and uses pay-by-the-course tuition, so you pay as you go rather than all up front.
NKU also offers one of the widest selections of online bachelor's programs in this guide, with six Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) options that prepare students for career opportunities in fields like marketing, sales, human resources, and supply chain management.
Key Program Details
- MBA credits and timeline: 33 credit hours (24 core and 9 elective), in as few as 12 months.
- MBA concentrations: General, Finance, Human Resources, Leadership, and Project Management.
- Course length: 7 weeks, with multiple start dates each year.
- BSBA majors online: General Business, Global Supply Chain Management, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing, and Sales.
- BSBA credits: 120 credit hours, with up to 90 transfer credits accepted.
Key Cost Details
Online MBA:
- Total program cost with fees: $18,546 ($546 per credit hour for 33 credits), with the same pay-by-the-course tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. [8]
- Application fee: $40, non-refundable. [8]
Online BSBA:
- Standard tuition: $514 per credit hour, plus a $16 university fee per credit hour. [9]
- With the Path to Success Scholarship: $409 per credit hour, plus the $16 university fee. The scholarship is for first-time NKU online students only and cannot be combined with other offers. [9]
Delivery format: fully online at both levels. See NKU online tuition.
Accreditation
NKU is accredited by SACSCOC. The Haile College of Business is accredited by AACSB International. [8]
Strengths Worth Highlighting
- One of the lowest published MBA totals among the Kentucky schools here.
- Short 7-week courses and a 12-month path for motivated students.
- Six online BSBA majors, plus generous transfer credit.
Things to Consider
- The $409 bachelor's rate depends on the Path to Success Scholarship; students who do not qualify pay $514 per credit hour plus fees. [9]
- Accelerated 7-week courses move quickly, which can feel intense during busy seasons at work.
Who Should Choose NKU
Budget-conscious professionals who want an AACSB-accredited MBA in about a year, and new online undergraduates who can lock in the scholarship rate for a specific business major.
5. Western Kentucky University, Gordon Ford College: Best for Earning a Certificate Alongside Your MBA
What Makes It Stand Out
Western Kentucky University (WKU) builds a bonus into its MBA: after the core courses, you choose a 9-hour concentration, and students can also earn a related graduate certificate along the way. That means you finish with a specialized credential on your resume as well as the MBA.
WKU charges one distance learning rate for online courses regardless of where you live, which keeps the math simple for out-of-state students.
Key Program Details
- MBA credits: 30 credit hours, including the MBA core and at least one concentration.
- MBA concentrations: Executive Decision Making, Supply Chain Management, Business Data Analytics, Cybersecurity Data Analytics, Marketing and Sales, and Dietetic Practice.
- MBA format: Fully online for every concentration except Dietetic Practice, which is hybrid.
- MBA admission: A 2.75 GPA with 3 years of professional experience, or a business degree from an AACSB-accredited program with a 3.25 GPA. Conditional admission is available in some cases.
- Bachelor's option: BS in Management with a Business Administration concentration, fully online, 120 total hours.
Key Cost Details
Online MBA (Fall 2026/Spring 2027):
- Graduate distance learning tuition: $707 per credit hour. [10]
- Program length: 30 credit hours. [11]
Online BS in Management, Business Administration (Fall 2026/Spring 2027):
- Undergraduate distance learning tuition: $551 per credit hour, with no separate full-time distance learning rate. [10]
- Program length: 120 hours, including 78 hours of professional and elective coursework. [12]
Delivery format: online at both levels, except the hybrid Dietetic Practice MBA concentration. See the WKU 2026-2027 cost sheet.
Accreditation
WKU is accredited by SACSCOC. The Gordon Ford College of Business holds AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting. [13]
Strengths Worth Highlighting
- A graduate certificate you can earn as part of the MBA.
- One distance learning rate for students in any state.
- Personalized support from the start, including a degree plan within a week of applying, with rolling admissions.
Things to Consider
- Only the Business Administration concentration of the BS in Management is fully online. The other concentrations are hybrid.
- MBA admission requires either several years of experience or a strong GPA from an AACSB-accredited business program.
Who Should Choose WKU
Professionals who want an MBA plus a targeted credential in an area like analytics, supply chain, or cybersecurity, and who like a straightforward per-credit price.
6. Eastern Kentucky University: Best for MBA Concentration Variety
What Makes It Stand Out
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers 10 online MBA concentrations, more than any other school in this guide, including options you rarely see in an MBA, such as Occupational Safety, Construction Management, and Emergency Management and Disaster Resilience.
EKU also makes getting started easy, with no application fee and no GRE or GMAT requirement for the MBA, plus low-cost textbooks through its BookSmart program. Online students also get free online tutoring and career services assistance to support student success.
Key Program Details
- MBA credits: 30 credit hours, including a 9-hour concentration.
- MBA concentrations: Accounting, Community Development, Construction Management, Emergency Management and Disaster Resilience, Manufacturing Management, Marketing Research and Analytics, Occupational Safety, Organizational Psychology, Public Administration, and Interdisciplinary.
- Course format: Accelerated 7-week terms.
- Transfer credit: Up to 12 hours from AACSB institutions for the MBA, and up to 90 hours for the bachelor's.
- Bachelor's option: BBA with a General Business concentration, available online, 120 credit hours, with fast-track opportunities for students with 80 or more credits.
Key Cost Details
Online MBA (2026-2027):
- Tuition: $607 per credit hour for 30 credit hours. [14]
- Special Use Fee: $16.67 per credit hour (maximum $150 per semester). [15]
- Asset Preservation Fee: $10 per credit hour (maximum $150 per semester). [15]
- Exceptional Eastern Experience Fee: $255 per semester, which does not apply to students taking fewer than 6 credit hours. [15]
- Required textbooks: $26 per credit hour. [15]
- Application fee: none. [14]
Online BBA (2026-2027):
- Tuition: $472 per credit hour for online associate and bachelor's programs. [15]
- Special Use Fee: $12.50 per credit hour (maximum $150 per semester). [15]
- Asset Preservation Fee: $10 per credit hour (maximum $150 per semester). [15]
- Exceptional Eastern Experience Fee: $255 per semester, which does not apply to students taking fewer than 6 credit hours. [15]
- Required textbooks: $26 per credit hour. [15]
- Application fee: none. [16]
Delivery format: online at both levels. See EKU tuition and aid.
Accreditation
EKU is accredited by SACSCOC. Its MBA and BBA programs are offered through a College of Business accredited by AACSB International. [14]
Strengths Worth Highlighting
- The broadest set of MBA concentrations in this guide.
- No application fee and no GRE or GMAT for the MBA.
- Accelerated 7-week terms and generous transfer credit at the bachelor's level.
Things to Consider
- Per-credit university fees apply on top of tuition, so your total will be a little higher than tuition alone. [15]
- Several concentrations are specialized, so check that the one you need fits your career path.
Who Should Choose EKU
Professionals in fields like safety, construction, emergency management, or public service who want an AACSB-accredited MBA tailored to their industry, and adult learners who want to finish a business bachelor's online with plenty of transfer credit.
7. Murray State University, Bauernfeind College: Best for an MBA Price With Fees Included
What Makes It Stand Out
Murray State's Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business has been continuously accredited by AACSB since 1981, and its online MBA pricing is about as clear as it gets: the published total includes all fees. With 11 concentrations and 7-week courses, it is a flexible choice for many career paths.
For undergraduates, Murray State offers a full online Bachelor of Science in Business in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, as well as an online route to a business bachelor's for KCTCS Associate of Arts graduates.
Key Program Details
- MBA credits and timeline: 30 credit hours for most concentrations, in as few as 12 to 18 months.
- MBA concentrations: General, Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Economic Development, Finance, Forensic Accounting, Global Communications, Healthcare Administration, Human Resource Management, Marketing, and Nonprofit Management.
- Course format: 100 percent online, 7-week courses, with multiple start dates each year.
- Bachelor's options: A full online Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, plus a Bachelor of Science in Business that KCTCS Associate of Arts graduates can complete online. Murray State also offers online business study in Computer Information Systems.
Key Cost Details
Online MBA:
- Tuition: $606 per credit hour, or $1,818 per course, for a total of $18,180, with all fees included in the total. [17]
- Healthcare Administration concentration: 33 credit hours, $19,998 total. [18]
Online bachelor's (Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 undergraduate rates):
- Full online program (Online BSB in Logistics and Supply Chain Management): $438.75 per credit hour for all students, billed by the credit hour and not capped at 15 credit hours. [19]
- Online course fee: an additional $75 per credit hour for online courses, plus any applicable course fees. [19]
- KCTCS business path: this route is not on Murray State's list of full online undergraduate programs, so the standard undergraduate rates may apply. Those are $438.75 per credit hour for Kentucky residents (or a $5,265 flat rate for 12 to 15 hours), $462 per credit hour at the regional rate, and $666.25 per credit hour for non-residents. Confirm the rate for your situation with Murray State. [19]
Delivery format: online at both levels. The KCTCS path is completed online after the A.A. See Murray State undergraduate tuition.
Accreditation
Murray State is accredited by SACSCOC. The Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business has been continuously accredited by AACSB International since 1981. [17]
Strengths Worth Highlighting
- The lowest published online MBA total among the Kentucky schools in this guide, with fees included.
- Eleven MBA concentrations to choose from.
- A clear online path for KCTCS graduates who want a business bachelor's.
Things to Consider
- The KCTCS business path is built around a KCTCS Associate of Arts, so it fits best if you are coming from that system. [20] Its per-credit rate may depend on your residency. [19]
- Online undergraduate courses carry a $75 per credit hour fee on top of tuition. [19]
Who Should Choose Murray State
Cost-conscious professionals who want a fees-included AACSB MBA price with plenty of concentration choices, and KCTCS graduates who want to finish a business bachelor's online.
Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2026 - Quick Comparison
| School |
Online MBA Tuition |
Online Bachelor's Tuition |
Format |
Accreditation |
Best For |
| Nexford University |
$275 to $450/month (about $2,475 to $8,100 total) |
$120 to $250/course (about $4,800 to $10,000 total) |
100% online, asynchronous, monthly starts |
DEAC; IACBE (MBA) |
Flexible, affordable online study |
| University of Kentucky |
$39,398.50 total (2-year online path, incl. fees) |
$667/credit (incl. mandatory fees) |
Live online MBA; online BA/BS |
SACSCOC; AACSB |
Flagship MBA with live classes |
| University of Louisville |
$38,500 bundled |
$568/credit |
100% online, asynchronous |
SACSCOC; AACSB |
All-inclusive MBA price |
| Northern Kentucky University |
$18,546 total with fees |
$514/credit ($409 with scholarship) |
Online, 7-week courses |
SACSCOC; AACSB |
Fast, budget-friendly MBA |
| Western Kentucky University |
$707/credit (30 credits) |
$551/credit |
Online (one hybrid MBA concentration) |
SACSCOC; AACSB |
MBA plus certificate |
| Eastern Kentucky University |
$607/credit (30 credits) |
$472/credit |
Online, 7-week terms |
SACSCOC; AACSB |
MBA concentration variety |
| Murray State University |
$18,180 total, fees included |
$438.75/credit for the full online BSB, plus $75 online fee (KCTCS path may vary by residency) |
Online, 7-week courses |
SACSCOC; AACSB |
Fees-included MBA price |
Tuition shown is for online study and excludes most fees unless noted. Kentucky public university figures are taken from the official pages cited in the references.
How to Choose the Right Online College Tuition in Kentucky
Once you have the numbers in front of you, a few honest questions usually point to the right answer.
- How much structure do you want? If live classes keep you accountable, UK's real-time MBA may suit you. If your schedule changes week to week, a fully asynchronous option like Nexford or UofL will be easier to sustain.
- What is your realistic total budget? Compare full-program totals, not just per-credit rates, and remember to add fees. Among the Kentucky schools, Murray State and NKU publish the lowest MBA totals, while Nexford's subscription model can bring the total lower still if you move quickly.
- Which accreditation do you need? If a specific employer or graduate school requires SACSCOC or AACSB, the six Kentucky universities fit that requirement. If not, Nexford's DEAC and IACBE accreditation may give you more flexibility for less money.
- When do you want to start? Nexford starts every month, NKU, EKU, and Murray State offer multiple starts each year, and UofL's MBA starts in August and January. Application deadlines vary by program, so check the calendar for your program of interest early.
- Do you already have college credit? If you want to finish a degree online, UK, UofL, NKU, EKU, and Murray State all accept transfer credit, and several of them are well set up for KCTCS graduates.
There is no single best program for everyone. The right choice is the one that matches your schedule, your budget, your educational goals, and the credential your career really calls for.
Ready to Take the Next Step With Nexford?
If you want a fully online business degree that can help advance your career, one you can start next month, study on your own schedule, and finish without a five-figure bill, Nexford is worth a closer look.
- Complete the online application with a one-time $25 application fee.
- Pick your start date, since new terms begin on the first of every month.
- Talk with an advisor, whose focus is helping students choose the right program and pace, and confirm the tuition rate for their location.
Explore the online MBA, the online BBA, or the MS in Data Analytics, or visit the admissions page to get started.
Disclaimer
Last updated: October 2026
This article is published by Nexford University and reflects information available as of October 2026, using the latest academic year each school had published at the time of writing. Competitor tuition, fees, program details, and delivery formats were taken from each institution's official pages, cited in the references below. Kentucky public universities may bill by credit hour, by course, by semester, or as a program total, and rates and fees can change each academic year. Nexford's tuition varies by country: the MBA is a monthly subscription of $275 to $450, and the BBA is $120 to $250 per course. Always confirm current costs, admission requirements, and accreditation directly with each school before you enroll.
References
[1] Online MBA in Business Administration. University of Kentucky Online. https://online.uky.edu/masters/business-administration/mba
[2] Professional and Program Specific Tuition and Fees, 2026-2027. University of Kentucky Student Account Services. https://studentaccount.uky.edu/tuition-and-fees/program-specific-tuition-and-fees
[3] Part-Time/Online MBA. Gatton College of Business and Economics, University of Kentucky. https://gatton.uky.edu/prc/part-time-mba
[4] Online Bachelor's BA/BS in General Business. University of Kentucky Online. https://online.uky.edu/bachelors/general-business/ba-bs
[5] Undergraduate Tuition and Fees, 2026-2027. University of Kentucky Student Account Services. https://studentaccount.uky.edu/tuition-and-fees/undergraduate-tuition-and-fees
[6] Online Master of Business Administration. University of Louisville Online. https://online.louisville.edu/programs/masters/online-master-of-business-administration
[7] Online Bachelor of Business Administration. University of Louisville Online. https://online.louisville.edu/programs/bachelors/online-bachelor-of-business-administration
[8] AACSB-accredited MBA Online. Northern Kentucky University. https://onlinedegrees.nku.edu/programs/business/mba/
[9] Online B.S.B.A. in General Business. Northern Kentucky University. https://onlinedegrees.nku.edu/programs/undergraduate/bsba/general-business/
[10] Tuition and Fees, Fall 2026/Spring 2027. Western Kentucky University. https://www.wku.edu/billing/costsheet2627.pdf
[11] Business Administration, Master of Business Administration. WKU Online, Western Kentucky University. https://www.wku.edu/online/grad-programs/mba/
[12] BS in Management, Business Administration. WKU Online, Western Kentucky University. https://www.wku.edu/online/bach-programs/bs-mgmt-admin/index.php
[13] Master of Business Administration. Gordon Ford College of Business, Western Kentucky University. https://www.wku.edu/mba/
[14] Master of Business Administration. Eastern Kentucky University. https://www.eku.edu/business/master-of-business-administration/
[15] Tuition and Aid, 2026-2027 Academic Year. Eastern Kentucky University. https://www.eku.edu/tuition-and-aid/
[16] Bachelor of Business Administration, General Business. Eastern Kentucky University. https://www.eku.edu/business/bba-general-business/
[17] Online MBA (General). Murray State University. https://onlinedegrees.murraystate.edu/programs/business/mba/general/
[18] Online MBA Programs. Murray State University. https://onlinedegrees.murraystate.edu/programs/business/mba/
[19] Undergraduate Tuition Rates. Murray State University. https://murraystate.edu/admissions/BursarsOffice/tuition/UndergraduateTuition.aspx
[20] Business Administration Degree Paths. Murray State University. https://www.murraystate.edu/academics/CollegesDepartments/CollegeOfBusiness/Programs/OnlineBusiness/Online_Transfer_Bus.aspx