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Key Takeaways
Best network administration degree programs: Murray State, Sullivan, Northern Kentucky
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $8,436 to $14,220/year
Murray State offers the most affordable option at $8,436/yr
Network Administration degree programs available: 1 associate's, 3 master's in Kentucky
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Kentucky community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
1 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Humana, Yum! Brands, Kindred Healthcare, Ashland
Tech hubs in Louisville and Lexington
Hakia Research 2026
Network Administration degree programs near 45+ cities across Kentucky
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Kentucky Network Administration programs
We rank 7 accredited network administration programs in Kentucky using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Network Administration Degree Programs in Kentucky Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Network Administration Degree Rankings in Kentucky
Compare the top-ranked Network Administration programs in Kentucky by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Network Administration Programs in Kentucky
Program Landscape
Kentucky offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in network administration, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Sullivan, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Kentucky offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $14,220/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $50,177 in Kentucky.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Kentucky's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Louisville, Lexington, Covington areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Humana, Yum! Brands, Kindred Healthcare hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among network administration schools in Kentucky, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their network administration degrees in Kentucky.
Best Bachelor's Network Administration Programs in Kentucky
Program Landscape
Kentucky ranks among the nation's top destinations for network administration education, with 3 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 0 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Murray State, Sullivan, Northern Kentucky, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Kentucky network administration programs earn a median salary of $77,546, 21% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Louisville, Lexington, Covington metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Humana, Yum! Brands, Kindred Healthcare.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $8,436 to $14,220 annually, with an average of $11,056/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 72%, with the highest reaching 87%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Kentucky's leading technology employers. For students seeking network administration degrees in Kentucky, these top-ranked network administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Network Administration Programs in Kentucky
Program Landscape
Kentucky offers 3 master's degree programs in network administration, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of the Cumberlands, Murray State, Northern Kentucky, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Kentucky earn a median salary of $91,230, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Louisville, Lexington, Covington creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Humana, Yum! Brands, Kindred Healthcare actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $9,608/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Kentucky's network administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Network Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in Kentucky
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $10,761/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $26,903/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,690/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $64,568 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $16,142 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Network Administration Students in Kentucky
State Aid Programs
Kentucky residents pursuing network administration degrees have access to strong financial aid programs designed to make higher education affordable. The College Access Program (CAP) Grant provides need-based financial assistance of up to $2,900 per year for eligible Kentucky residents attending postsecondary institutions in the state (College Access Program (CAP) Grant). This grant program complements federal aid options available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which remains the primary gateway for accessing federal loans, grants, and work-study opportunities (Federal Student Aid).
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal grant programs, Kentucky's public universities and community colleges offer institutional scholarships specifically targeting technology and IT program students. Many four-year institutions participate in the College Scorecard transparency initiative, allowing students to compare net price and aid packages across schools. Community college students benefit from lower baseline tuition costs, making initial enrollment at Kentucky's KCTCS system particularly cost-effective before transferring to four-year institutions through the Kentucky Transfer Feedback System (Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education), which streamlines the transfer process and maximizes credit portability. Students should also explore related degree pathways in Cybersecurity in Kentucky and Cloud Computing in Kentucky for additional scholarship opportunities within the technology sector.
Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator, Kentucky
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a network administration degree in Kentucky. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a network administration degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Network Administration Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Kentucky metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Louisville | $100K |
| Lexington | $96K |
| Covington | $91K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Network Administration Graduates in Kentucky
Find network administration jobs in Kentucky. These major employers across Kentucky metro areas are actively hiring network administration degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Network Administration Jobs in Louisville
KYNetwork Administration Jobs in Lexington
KYTransfer Pathways for Network Administration Degrees in Kentucky
State Transfer System
Kentucky's strong transfer system enables seamless progression from associate's to bachelor's degree programs in network administration. The Kentucky Transfer Feedback System facilitates articulation agreements between the 23 two-year institutions and 38 four-year universities in the state, allowing students to complete foundational coursework at community and technical colleges before transferring. This pathway significantly reduces overall education costs, community colleges charge approximately $4,464 annually compared to the average public four-year in-state tuition of $10,288. Students pursuing this route can start at institutions like Jefferson Community and Technical College or Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, both charging the same affordable tuition, then transfer credits toward a bachelor's at University of the Cumberlands, Murray State University, or Northern Kentucky University.
How Transfers Work
Transfer agreements with major Kentucky universities ensure that credits earned in accredited associate's programs count directly toward bachelor's degree requirements, eliminating redundancy and reducing time-to-degree. The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) maintains comprehensive transfer information and supports statewide articulation initiatives. Students can also leverage the College Access Program (CAP) Grant, a state financial aid program offering need-based grants up to $2,900 annually for Kentucky residents, throughout their transfer journey. For those seeking advanced credentials, bachelor's graduates can pursue master's programs at University of the Cumberlands or Eastern Kentucky University, continuing their education within the state's growing network administration ecosystem. Complementary programs in Information Technology and Cloud Computing also support career advancement and specialization pathways.
Why Pursue a Network Administration Degree in Kentucky?
Industry & Workforce
Kentucky offers a growing ecosystem for network administration education, with 9 institutions currently offering programs at the associate's, bachelor's, and master's levels (IPEDS). In the 2023 academic year, the state produced 384 total completions across all degree levels, with master's programs leading at 325 completions, followed by 47 bachelor's completions and 12 associate's completions. This diverse pipeline reflects strong demand for network professionals across the state's major employers, including UPS, Humana, Norton Healthcare, Amazon, and Toyota. The concentration of these employers in Louisville, Lexington, and the surrounding metro areas creates abundant career opportunities for graduates.
Salary Outlook
Top-ranked Kentucky institutions like the University of the Cumberlands lead the state with 300 master's completions, demonstrating substantial capacity and expertise in the field. Public in-state tuition at four-year institutions averages $10,288, making Kentucky an affordable option compared to the national average. Students pursuing network administration can also explore related fields through complementary programs, check out Cybersecurity in Kentucky and Cloud Computing in Kentucky for additional specialization pathways. The state's strong transfer system and financial aid programs, including the College Access Program (CAP) Grant for need-based assistance, further reduce barriers to entry and credential attainment.
Network Administration Program Availability in Kentucky
Source: IPEDS 2024
Network Administration Job Market & Salary Data in Kentucky
Employment Outlook
Kentucky's network administration job market is supported by a strong higher education infrastructure, with 9 institutions offering network administration programs across the state (IPEDS). The state's employment landscape is concentrated in major metropolitan areas including Louisville-Jefferson County and Lexington-Fayette, which serve as technology hubs for the region. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kentucky's tech sector continues to expand, with network administration roles representing a critical component of IT infrastructure across multiple industries (BLS State Data). The average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions stands at $10,288, making Kentucky an affordable option for prospective network administration professionals compared to national averages.
Salaries by Metro
The state's network administration programs demonstrate significant demand, with 47 bachelor's degree completions and 325 master's degree completions annually across Kentucky institutions (IPEDS). Career growth in this field is driven by digital transformation initiatives across healthcare, logistics, and corporate sectors in major Kentucky cities including Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Covington, and Florence. Students pursuing network administration degrees can leverage the Kentucky Transfer Feedback System for seamless transitions between community and four-year institutions, and may qualify for the College Access Program (CAP) Grant, providing need-based assistance up to $2,900 annually for Kentucky residents (Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education). Additional career pathways exist in related fields such as Cloud Computing in Kentucky and Cybersecurity in Kentucky, which complement network administration expertise.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Network Administration Programs in Kentucky
Online Programs
0 available in Kentucky
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Network Administration Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $9,800
- Total Programs
- 42
- Median Tuition
- $9,600
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $8,400
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $14,700
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $20,400
- Total Programs
- 27
- Median Tuition
- $8,200
- Total Programs
- 72
- Median Tuition
- $1,300
- Total Programs
- 37
- Median Tuition
- $4,500
Network Administration Degree Programs in Kentucky: FAQ
What are the best network administration degree programs in Kentucky?
How much do network administration degree programs cost in Kentucky?
What salary can network administration degree graduates earn in Kentucky?
Are there online network administration degree programs in Kentucky?
What companies hire network administration degree graduates in Kentucky?
Is a network administration degree program worth it in Kentucky?
How long do network administration degree programs take in Kentucky?
What financial aid is available for network administration degree students in Kentucky?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Kentucky salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.