University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky is a public university in Lexington, KY ranked #378 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 23,189 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 92.4%. Students most often pursue Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences and Computer and Information Sciences.
Day to day, students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, 86.7% first-year retention, and 69.9% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $17,218, about $220 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -31.4%, roughly 116.7 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $47,266. That's about $3,578 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Kentucky Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Kentucky graduates 69.9% of students within six years and keeps 86.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Kentucky's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $13,212 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $15,242 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,444 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $32,291 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 21.5% of University of Kentucky students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $10,267 to $24,687 depending on family income. Use University of Kentucky's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,655/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,687/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $47,266
- 10-Year Median Earnings $47,266
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $16,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 63.3%
- Employment Rate 91.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Kentucky graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Kentucky vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Kentucky's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Kentucky's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Kentucky graduates earn $47,266 median, the -31.4% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 550-640
- SAT Math 530-650
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 21-28
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 23,189
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 86.7%
- Graduation Rate 69.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1
How to Get Into University of Kentucky
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Kentucky requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 92.4%, University of Kentucky is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 92.4% acceptance rate, University of Kentucky is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1080 and 1290 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Kentucky undergraduates. Marketing, Business/Commerce, General, and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing draw the most students.
- Marketing 5.8%
- Business/Commerce, General 5.7%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.3%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.0%
- Psychology, General 4.8%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 4.7%
See more majors
- Biology, General 4.3%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $94,455
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General $91,572
- 3. Agricultural Engineering $90,188
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $88,742
- 5. Mechanical Engineering $87,796
- 6. Mining and Mineral Engineering $85,709
- 7. Chemical Engineering $83,438
- 8. Finance and Financial Management Services $80,396
- 9. Accounting and Related Services $79,925
- 10. Computer Engineering $79,620
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $191,366
- 2. Dentistry (First Professional Degree) $185,046
- 3. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $135,815
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $129,899
- 5. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $119,533
- 6. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degree) $110,979
- 7. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $110,670
- 8. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $92,160
- 9. International Relations and National Security Studies (Master's Degree) $91,588
- 10. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $90,825
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General grads earn $94,455—19% more than Computer Engineering ($79,620). Graduate: Medicine programs lead with $191,366 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Kentucky. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 329 graduates)
- Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degree, 320 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 282 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 268 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 266 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (85 programs)â–¼
- Marketing
- Business/Commerce, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Psychology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Biology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Mechanical Engineering
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Political Science and Government
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Chemical Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Economics
- Civil Engineering
- Public Health
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- History
- Animal Sciences
- Social Work
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Mathematics
- Apparel and Textiles
- Journalism
- Computer Engineering
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Chemistry
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- International/Global Studies
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Agricultural Public Services
- Biotechnology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Architecture
- Sociology
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Music
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Anthropology
- Agricultural Engineering
- Design and Applied Arts
- Special Education and Teaching
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Mining and Mineral Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Materials Engineering
- Landscape Architecture
- Forestry
- Philosophy
- Physics and Astronomy
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Geography and Cartography
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Plant Sciences
- Food Science and Technology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Dance
- Area Studies
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- International Business
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Online Master's Degrees (73 programs)â–¼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Applied Mathematics
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Biology, General
- Public Health
- Physics and Astronomy
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Public Administration
- Civil Engineering
- Music
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Statistics
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Communication and Media Studies
- Mechanical Engineering
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Plant Sciences
- Mathematics
- Geography and Cartography
- Architecture
- Anthropology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Economics
- Animal Sciences
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Forestry
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Political Science and Government
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Nutrition Sciences
- Mining and Mineral Engineering
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Chemical Engineering
- Sociology
- History
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Physics
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Materials Engineering
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Design and Applied Arts
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Data Science
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
Online Doctoral Degrees (63 programs)â–¼
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Music
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Statistics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Animal Sciences
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Plant Sciences
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Business/Commerce, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Physics and Astronomy
- Materials Engineering
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Anthropology
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Social Work
- Public Administration
- Philosophy
- Mining and Mineral Engineering
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Civil Engineering
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- History
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Geography and Cartography
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Nutrition Sciences
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Gerontology
- Agricultural Engineering
- Soil Sciences
- Physics
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Public Health
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (37 programs)â–¼
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Social Work
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Industrial Engineering
- Area Studies
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Homeland Security
- Communication and Media Studies
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Sociology
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Statistics
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Music
- International and Comparative Education
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Cognitive Science
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Behavioral Sciences
- Applied Mathematics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (23 programs)â–¼
- Industrial Engineering
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- International Business
- Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Social Sciences, General
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- International/Global Studies
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Area Studies
- Music
- Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
Online First Professional Degrees (6 programs)â–¼
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Medicine
- Law
- Dentistry
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Public Health
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 23,189
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 42.0%
- Female Students 58.0%
- Caucasian 76.2%
- Asian 3.7%
- Hispanic 6.4%
- Black 6.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 21.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Kentucky's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Kentucky's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Kentucky support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Kentucky, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 76.2% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 21.5% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Kentucky support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Kentucky, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Kentucky serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #378 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $17,218 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $47,266 median earnings. The 69.9% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 86.7% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of Kentucky's Strengths
Ranked #378 with a B+ grade, University of Kentucky prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of Kentucky excel at providing affordable education ($17,218 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of Kentucky's 86.7% retention and 69.9% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($47,266 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of Kentucky and $17,218 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 69.9% six-year graduation rate sits 7.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 86.7% first-year retention is 9.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -31.4% return on investment is 116.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $47,266 run about 8% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $17,218 is roughly $2,692 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 86.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.1% employment rate within three years sits 22.9 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 21.5% trails the national share by 11.9 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of Kentucky, a public university in Lexington, KY, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It stands at #378 among 1966 schools Category results include Completion (A-), Support (B), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
86.7% of learners come back after year one while 69.9% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -31.4%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $17,218 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $32,291.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $15,073 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 21.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $47,266 six years after enrollment. That sits about 8% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 91.1%.
The ROI comes in near -31.4%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
92.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Kentucky admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other Kentucky campuses you might consider
Contact Information
- Address Lexington, KY 40506-0032
- Website www.uky.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$1.75B