Top Nursing Schools in Kentucky
This page lists 45 schools in Kentucky that reported awards in licensed nursing education to the U.S. Department of Education for 2023-24 — including 23 practical/vocational nursing (LPN/LVN), 30 associate degree (ADN), 21 bachelor's (BSN), 13 master's and 8 Doctor of Nursing Practice award levels. By ownership, 24 public, 12 private nonprofit and 9 private for-profit. 37 appear in the CCNE or ACEN accreditor directories for at least one nursing program level. The largest concentrations are in Louisville (8), Pikeville (3), Bowling Green (2) and Florence (2).
Data last reviewed: October 6, 2026
Sources: IPEDS (U.S. Dept. of Education) / CCNE directory / ACEN directory
Listing does not certify educational quality or guarantee licensure eligibility. Verify details with the school before applying.
Listed alphabetically. Inclusion is editorial selection, not a ranking — see our methodology. How schools are selected
Schools (45)
| School | Location | Ownership | Nursing awards / programs | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Louisville | Louisville, KY | Public | BSN, MSN, MSN-Leadership, Post-Master's-FNP, Post-Master's-PMHNP, DNP, PhD | CCNE |
| University of Pikeville | Pikeville, KY | Private nonprofit | ADN, BSN | ACEN |
| University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg, KY | Private nonprofit | ADN, BSN, MSN-FNP | CCNE, ACEN |
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College | Paducah, KY | Public | CNA, LPN/LVN, ADN | ACEN |
| Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY | Public | ADN, BSN, MSN, Post-Master's-FNP, Post-Master's-PMHNP, DNP | CCNE, ACEN |
Before you apply in Kentucky
- Prelicensure nursing programs must be approved by the state's board of nursing. Check the board's current list for the campus you will attend.
- Program accreditation (CCNE, ACEN or CNEA) is separate from state approval and from the institution's own accreditation. Each school page shows which records we found and where.
- Online programs based in another state may not accept residents of Kentucky. See online coursework and clinical requirements.