University of Kentucky
About University of Kentucky
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
The University of Kentucky is a public research university in Lexington, Kentucky. It is the state flagship and offers strong programs in engineering, business, pharmacy, and health sciences. UK is a major SEC athletics school and operates Kentucky's only academic medical center.
Founded
1865
Location
Lexington, Kentucky
Students
33,938
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
92.9%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
71.4%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$13,502
Out-of-state: $34,140
Avg Net Price
$18,851
After financial aid
SAT Average
1215
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$59,025
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
Dec 1
Regular
Feb 15
University of Kentucky accepts the majority of applicants at 92.9%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1215/ 1600
ACT Scores
26/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
71.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
86.8%
4-Year Grad
51%
6-Year Grad
68%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
82.4%
$/Student
$13.2K
Class Size
Medium
While 51% finish in 4 years, 86.8% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$13,502
In-State
$34,140
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,016
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$34,391
After Financial Aid
$18,851
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,182
Receive Grants
22.5%
Take Loans
33.7%
The full cost of attendance is about $34,391/yr for in-state students, including $16,016 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $18,851. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $34,140.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Kentucky fund their education.
While in School
22.5%
Get Grants
Free money
33.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$61,931
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$239/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 33.7% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $22,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Kentucky.
Gender
58.4%
Female
42%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
24,763
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
9,175
Graduates
23.4%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
5.5%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 58% of the student body. 23.4% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
24,763
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Kentucky fields 12 varsity teams with 706 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Southeastern
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
706
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
50% / 50%
355
Men
351
Women
8
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Kentuckyearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$59,025
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business/Commerce, General
$49K
392 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$71K
387 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$48K
385 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$58K
327 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$29K
276 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$35K
274 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $47K six years out, growing to $59K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of Kentucky
What is the acceptance rate at University of Kentucky?▾
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What is the graduation rate at University of Kentucky?▾
How much do University of Kentucky graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.