Best Online Colleges in Kentucky

Benefits of Studying Online in Kentucky

Nicknamed the Bluegrass State, Kentucky, is home to more than 4.5 million people and serves as the 26th most populous state in the US. With a capitol located in Frankfort, and the state’s largest city in Louisville, Kentucky offers a fairly diverse population and a vibrant cultural scene both in the city and the state’s rural areas. In terms of land area, the state ranks 37th in the nation, with some 40,000 square miles available for residents and students to explore and enjoy.

Employment Stats

The state of Kentucky has also been doing very well in terms of employment. With nearly 5 million inhabitants, and nearly 2 million employed people spread across the state, Kentucky is the 26th largest employer in the nation, accounting for 1.29% of the US workforce. Last year, the state added nearly 67,000 jobs since 2021, giving it a total growth rate of 3.51%, and making it the 17th fastest growing state in terms of job opportunities. More importantly, Kentucky right at the national median in terms of the number of employed people (they’re exactly at 0, and 0% different, respectively).

Louisiana edged out the Bluegrass State for the 27th spot in the nation, but it was only by margin of 45 people (it employed 1,933,000 cutomers to Kentucky's 1,977,000). That being said, Kentucky did outrank Oregon by a few hundred jobs (Kentucky--1,977,200, Oregon--1,983,000). In terms of the nation’s leader, The Bluegrass state falls far short representing only 1.4% of the US population, and an employment rate that sits more than 89% below the nation’s largest employer.

Job Opportunities

Kentucky is home to a number of unique job opportunities, with just shy of 725 different job types as of the end of 2022. This puts Kentucky at the 25th slot nationally, just 0.3% below the national median of 722 job types. That’s only a handful of jobs, but it’s important to note since it could come into play when deciding which state to pursue a degree in.

The state of Kentucky has an array of quality universities, from the University of Louisville to the University of Kentucky and even Western Kentucky University situated in the south of the state. Furthermore, the state has many industry-leading companies, including Brown-Forman, Humana, and Ashland.

Kentucky’s low cost of living and diverse job opportunities may make it an attractive destination for recent college graduates. The state also has numerous outdoor activities, particularly in the Eastern part of the state. With the Appalachian Mountains running along the eastern border, there’s no shortage of terrain for hiking and camping, and both North Carolina and Virginia are just a short drive away should you want to explore further. With all this in mind, Kentucky may just be the place for you if you’re looking to start a career and enjoy life’s adventures at the same time.

In conclusion, Kentucky has seen a lot of economic growth over the last year, and its rate of growth, coupled with its proximity to the national median, makes it an attractive place to consider for higher education. Not to mention all the available leisure activities throughout the Bluegrass state, from the on-going music festivals, to the miles and miles of woods, lakes and rivers.

*All data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023)