University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best programs.

Get Matched With Online Colleges

The University of Kentucky is a four-year public institution in Lexington, KY. The university values equity and inclusion for everyone and is known for its exceptional academic programs, cutting-edge research, and strong athletic traditions. Established in 1865, it has become one of the most respected institutions of higher learning in the United States. Despite its location in the heart of Lexington City, the University of Kentucky provides cheap and high-quality on-campus accommodation for all interested students.


Overview of University of Kentucky (UK)


In the fall of 2021, the university enrolled around 30,390 students, with 21,900 admitted students pursuing undergraduate studies. Around 9% of the undergraduate students were part-time students, while 91% were full-time students. Of the total students enrolled at the university in the fall of 2021, 62% were in-state students, 37% were out-of-state students, and 1% were international students. With a world-class faculty team, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to excellence, the University of Kentucky offers all its students unparalleled opportunities to pursue their passions, explore new ideas, and make a difference in the world.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting City: Large
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 16 : 1
Graduation Rate 68%
Year Founded 1865

Student Enrollment


Total Students30,390

Undergraduate
21,900
Graduate
8,490

Undergraduate Student

Male 9,417
9,417
Female 12,483
12,483

Graduate Student

Male 3,651
3,651
Female 4,839
4,839

Explore Map

University of Kentucky Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS21,695

Male 8,734
Female 12,920

ACCEPTANCE20,393

Male 8,035
Female 12,274

Acceptance Rate94%

Male 92%
Female 95%

Enrollment 4,690

Male 1,928
Female 2,700
Admissions
Application Fee $50
High School GPA Required
High School Rank Recommended
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Courses Required
Recommendations Required
SAT/ACT Considered But Not Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Required
Application Deadline February
Common Application Accepted Yes

UK Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


The estimated tuition expense for undergraduate students at the University of Kentucky in the 2020–2021 session was $12,484 for in-state students and $31,294 for out-of-state students. The estimated cost of books and supplies needed for the year was about $1,000. The accommodation cost was $13,588, regardless of whether students opted for off-campus or on-campus accommodation. Regarding financial aid, about 2,000 first-time students received federal grants in the 2020–2021 academic year, each getting around $3,455; 2,876 students qualified for state scholarships and received $2,708 each. And 3,648 first-time students also received $10,050 each as institutional grants or scholarships. Beginning students who paid the in-state or in-district tuition rate and were awarded Title IV funds had different net prices depending on their income. For instance, those who earned between $0 and $30,000 had a net price of $11,926, while those whose income ranged from $75,001 to $110,000 had a net price of $21,029.

Average net price 2020-2021
Net Price $20,043
Average Total Aid $11,623
Students Receiving Financial Aid 94%
Room & Board $14,676

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $12,859
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $32,276
  • Books and Supplies - $1,200
  • Room & Board - $14,676
  • Other - $4,330

Popular Academic Programs at The University of Kentucky


The University of Kentucky offers over 200 academic programs that students can choose from and the institution has received over 100 academic excellence rankings in academics and other fields, such as healthcare and economic development. The university records high graduation and retention rates each year. As a result, the university receives many new student applications every year. For instance, the graduation rate for students who began their studies in the fall of 2015 was 68%. The retention rate for first-time students who began their studies in the fall of 2020 and returned in the fall of 2021 was 86% for full-time students and 58% for part-time students.

According to the above data, the high graduation and retention rates at the University of Kentucky suggest that the institution is doing a reasonably good job of keeping its students engaged and on track to complete their degrees. These statistics also show that the graduation rate for part-time students is slightly lower. This suggests that most part-time students find it difficult to balance school and other commitments. Overall, the University of Kentucky is an excellent choice for students looking for a great learning experience.

Student Population Total


Student Population 30,390

Undergraduate
21,900
Graduate
8,490
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Business Majors 1,010 Total Graduates / 20%
Marketing/Marketing Management, General 288 Graduates
Finance, General 268 Graduates
Business/Commerce, General 211 Graduates
Accounting 141 Graduates
All Health Professions and Related Majors 623 Total Graduates / 12%
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 302 Graduates
Public Health, General 104 Graduates
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General 103 Graduates
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist 50 Graduates
All Engineering Majors 475 Total Graduates / 9%
Mechanical Engineering 168 Graduates
Civil Engineering, General 84 Graduates
Chemical Engineering 68 Graduates
Computer Engineering, General 53 Graduates
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs 430 Total Graduates / 8%
Speech Communication and Rhetoric 191 Graduates
Communication Management and Strategic Communications 158 Graduates
Journalism 49 Graduates
Radio and Television 32 Graduates
All Education Majors 381 Total Graduates / 8%
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching 179 Graduates
Elementary Education and Teaching 99 Graduates
Music Teacher Education 18 Graduates
Social Studies Teacher Education 15 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 42%

Outcome & Salary


Graduates of the University of Kentucky have been quite successful after graduation. Some of the most important values that all graduates of the University of Kentucky possess are excellent networking skills and adaptability. These values help them succeed in any field and positively impact their communities. As a result, graduates of the University of Kentucky have had high demand from employers all over Kentucky and beyond. However, some students opt to further their studies in the same institution or other four-year universities.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $56,000
College Grads Average Salary $70,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $100,000
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $700,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,700,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $80,172
10 Year Projected ROI $619,828
20 Year Projected ROI $1,619,828
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

Photos & Videos


Search All Programs