All schools
PublicUrban

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0032

Visit website

Campus Vibe

Large campusUrban

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.

Established
1865
Motto
"United We Stand, Divided We Fall"
Mascot
The WildcatBlueScratch
Type
Public land-grant research university
Division
Division 1

Campus Visits

116 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, Apr 10 · Campus Tour
92%Acceptance
1213SAT Avg
23,189Students
17:1Student:Faculty
70%Grad Rate
$59,025Earnings 10yr
$17,218Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

University of Kentucky Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate92.4%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1213

Reading & WritingMid: 602
550640
MathMid: 605
530650

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 26
2128

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

92.4%

Trend

SAT Avg

1213

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$13,212
Tuition (out-of-state)$33,406
Room & Board$15,242
Books & Supplies$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance$32,291
Average Net Price$17,218
Median Debt at Graduation$22,500
Monthly Payment (10yr)$239

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$10,267
$30–48K$11,329
$48–75K$14,557
$75–110K$20,655
$110K+$24,687

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$17,218

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

6500.0%

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

Programs (331)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
23,189
Gender Split
58% / 42%
Women / Men
First Generation
23%
Pell Grant Recipients
22%

Race & Ethnicity

White 76%
Black 7%
Hispanic 6%
Asian 4%
Two+ 4%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate69.9%
Freshman Retention86.7%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$47,266
8 Years$53,326
10 Years$59,025

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$48,500
Men
$59,900

Rankings

U.S. News
#152
Forbes
#200
Wall Street Journal
#29
Washington Monthly
#159

More About This School

Varsity Sports

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

101Above Average

Estimated from KY state average + large city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Indianapolispop. 880K
149 mi(258 min)
Columbuspop. 900K
155 mi(269 min)
Nashvillepop. 690K
180 mi(312 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

University of Kentucky Application Checklist

Decision Notifications