Campus Vibe
Known for business — major research university
University of Kentucky is a public institution in Lexington with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1213, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 23.2K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
70% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $59,025 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $17,218.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
University of Kentucky Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1213
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
65.2%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$16,750
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
176
Peer Average
240
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (331)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
87%
- •87% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •As the first university in the territory that would become Kentucky, Transylvania University was the primary center for education.
- •It received federal support through the Morrill Land-Grant Act in 1865.
- •In 1866 it opened with 190 students and 10 professors, on the campus at Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate.
- •In 1869 James Kennedy Patterson replaced Bowman and the first degree was awarded.
- •In 1876, the university began to offer master's degree programs.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
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