Public Institution

University of Kentucky — Lexington, Kentucky

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Annual Tuition $13,212

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 92.4%

Open Admission

Enrollment 23,189

Active Students

Avg. Salary $59,025

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Lexington, Kentucky

Institution type Public

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"University of Kentucky stands as a pillar of higher education in Lexington, providing a robust academic foundation for 23,189 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does University of Kentucky offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at University of Kentucky. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

20.4%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

13.9%

Enrollment Share

Engineering

10.2%

Enrollment Share

Communications

6.8%

Enrollment Share

Education

6.5%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

6.4%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at University of Kentucky provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at University of Kentucky provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at University of Kentucky?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 92.4%

Difficulty Low

University of Kentucky maintains an acceptance rate of 92.4%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 42%

Women Enrollment 58%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 550 - 640

SAT Mathematics 530 - 650

ACT English 21 - 29

ACT Mathematics 20 - 27

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does University of Kentucky cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $13,212

Out-of-State Tuition $33,406

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 21.5%

Median Student Debt $22,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $13,212, graduates see a median starting salary of $59,025, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Kentucky.

What salary can University of Kentucky graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $59,025

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 69.9%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $17,218

Median Salary (6yr) $47,266

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at University of Kentucky in Lexington?

23,189 Students

Gender Comparison

42% Men

58% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

86.7%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.2%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

3.7%

Black

6.6%

White

76.2%

Unknown

1.2%

Hispanic

6.4%

Two or More Races

4.1%

International

1.4%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 20

🎓

First-Generation 23.4%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 48.2%

🎖️

Veterans 0.2%

💍

Married Students 2.9%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 47.1%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$59,287
Average Family Income	$81,686
Median Family Income	$61,931

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

55%

45%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Lexington Campus Environment

Located at South Limestone, University of Kentucky offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Kentucky. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does University of Kentucky compare?

Direct Comparison University of Kentucky vs Bluegrass Community and Tech →

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Direct Comparison University of Kentucky vs Lexington Theological Seminary →

Common Questions about University of Kentucky

Is University of Kentucky a good college in Lexington, Kentucky?

University of Kentucky is a recognized institution in Lexington with an enrollment of 23,189 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in Kentucky.

Is University of Kentucky worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $59,025 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does University of Kentucky cost for Kentucky residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at University of Kentucky is approximately $13,212. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $33,406. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of University of Kentucky after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending University of Kentucky for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 48.2% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is University of Kentucky good for Business & Marketing and Health Professions programs?

University of Kentucky reports program activity in Business & Marketing and Health Professions. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending University of Kentucky?

Graduates of University of Kentucky often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $59,025, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for University of Kentucky?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on University of Kentucky's official admissions website.

Does University of Kentucky require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on University of Kentucky's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can University of Kentucky graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of University of Kentucky earn a median salary of $59,025 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is University of Kentucky a good investment compared to other KY colleges?

Compare University of Kentucky's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in Kentucky to judge value for your goals.

Where is University of Kentucky located and what is the campus like?

University of Kentucky is located at South Limestone in Lexington, KY. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 23,189 learners.

Who typically attends University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY?

The student body at University of Kentucky is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 23.4% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Kentucky

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare University of Kentucky with other leading institutions in Kentucky across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

Nursing

Business Administration