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2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Kentucky
There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which trade school program is right for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country.
To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Trade College Search has developed this Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Kentucky ranking. This report analyzed 23 schools in Kentucky to see which ones offered the best associate degree programs for trade school students.
View our full ranking methodology.
Top Trade Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Our analysis found Elizabethtown Community and Technical College to be the best school for trade school students who want to pursue a associate degree in Kentucky. Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is a medium-sized public school situated in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. It awarded 914 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from Kentucky pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,480. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,555 in student loans.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 63% took at least some of their classes online.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Bluegrass Community and Technical College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Bluegrass Community and Technical College is located in Lexington, Kentucky and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,618 associate degrees to qualified students.
In-state students pay an average of $4,640 in tuition and fees if they attend Bluegrass Community and Technical College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,560. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,199 in student loans.
Bluegrass Community and Technical College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 72% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
The excellent associate degree programs at Eastern Kentucky University helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in Kentucky. Eastern is a fairly large public school situated in Richmond, Kentucky. It awarded 117 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $9,844 in tuition and fees if they attend Eastern full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $20,222. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,568 in student loans.
One thing to take note of is that Eastern does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 71% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Sullivan University. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Sullivan University is a small private for-profit school located in Louisville, Kentucky that handed out 348 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,005 in student loans.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Sullivan University does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 81% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Madisonville Community College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Madisonville, Kentucky is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 409 students in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Madisonville Community College is $4,560. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,480. On average, associate degree students take out $11,179 in loans while pursuing their degree.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Madisonville Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 55% took at least some of their classes online.
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #6 on the list. This small public school is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and it awarded 586 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they attend SKYCTC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,480. Associate Degree recipients from SKYCTC accumulate an average of $14,239 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at SKYCTC. In 2020-2021 about 57% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Read full report on Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
Somerset Community College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Kentucky ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Somerset, Kentucky, and it awarded 644 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they attend SCC full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,480. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,814 in student loans.
SCC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 65% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Jefferson Community and Technical College ranked #8 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Jefferson Community and Technical College is a fairly large public school situated in Louisville, Kentucky. It awarded 1,323 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $4,640 in tuition and fees if they attend Jefferson Community and Technical College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,560. On average, associate degree students take out $15,682 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Jefferson Community and Technical College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 53% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Gateway Community and Technical College ranked #9 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Gateway is a small public school situated in Florence, Kentucky. It awarded 543 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Gateway is $4,640. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,560. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,453 in student loans.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Gateway. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 61% took at least some of their classes online.
Beckfield College - Florence ranked #10 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Beckfield College - Florence is a very small private for-profit school located in Florence, Kentucky that handed out 93 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Beckfield College - Florence does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $13,295. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $25,760 in loans while pursuing their degree.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Beckfield College - Florence does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 94% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Western Kentucky University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Kentucky ranking. WKU is a fairly large public school situated in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It awarded 166 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Associate Degree recipients from WKU accumulate an average of $13,689 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at WKU. In 2020-2021 about 55% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
With a ranking of #12, Morehead State University did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Morehead State University is a medium-sized public school situated in Morehead, Kentucky. It awarded 150 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $9,560 in tuition and fees if they attend Morehead State University full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $14,286. Associate Degree recipients from Morehead State University accumulate an average of $22,734 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Some students may be able to take online classes at Morehead State University. In fact, around 53% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Owensboro Community and Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #14 on the list. Owensboro Community and Technical College is a public institution located in Owensboro, Kentucky. The school has a small population, and it awarded 656 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from Kentucky pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Owensboro Community and Technical College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,480. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,225 in student loans.
Owensboro Community and Technical College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 53% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Hopkinsville Community College ranked #15 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Located in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, the small public school handed out 398 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
Students from Kentucky who attend Hopkinsville Community College full time pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,480. On average, associate degree students take out $10,902 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Hopkinsville Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 70% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Henderson Community College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Henderson Community College is located in Henderson, Kentucky and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 197 associate degrees to qualified students.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Henderson Community College is $4,560. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,480. On average, associate degree students take out $14,057 in loans while pursuing their degree.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Henderson Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 48% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
West Kentucky Community and Technical College ranked #17 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Kentucky list. West Kentucky Community and Technical College is a public institution located in Paducah, Kentucky. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 544 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they attend West Kentucky Community and Technical College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,480. Associate Degree recipients from West Kentucky Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $12,260 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since West Kentucky Community and Technical College does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 49% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Read full report on West Kentucky Community and Technical College
Ashland Community and Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #18 on the list. ACTC is a public institution located in Ashland, Kentucky. The school has a small population, and it awarded 354 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Students from Kentucky who attend ACTC full time pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,480. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,819 in student loans.
One thing to take note of is that ACTC does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 56% took at least some of their classes online.
American National University - Lexington ranked #19 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Kentucky list. This very small private for-profit school is located in Pikeville, Kentucky, and it awarded 43 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
On average, associate degree students take out $30,853 in loans while pursuing their degree.
ANU Lexington is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.
Hazard Community and Technical College ranked #20 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Kentucky list. This small public school is located in Hazard, Kentucky, and it awarded 363 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Hazard Community and Technical College is $4,560. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,480. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,503 in student loans.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Hazard Community and Technical College. In fact, around 58% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Kentucky ranking. Located in Cumberland, Kentucky, the small public school handed out 374 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Southeast is $4,560. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,480. Associate Degree recipients from Southeast accumulate an average of $11,747 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Online courses are available at Southeast, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 51% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Read full report on Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College
Big Sandy Community and Technical College landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. This small public school is located in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, and it awarded 416 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they attend Big Sandy Community and Technical College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,480. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,955 in student loans.
Big Sandy Community and Technical College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 82% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Maysville Community and Technical College ranked #23 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Kentucky list. Maysville Community and Technical College is a small public school situated in Maysville, Kentucky. It awarded 401 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Maysville Community and Technical College is $4,560. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,480. On average, associate degree students take out $14,251 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Maysville Community and Technical College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 58% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Best Trade Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region
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Notes and References
Footnotes
*These averages are for the top 23 schools only.
References
- Read more about our ranking methodology.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
- Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.
More about our data sources and methodologies.