About University of Kentucky
Kentucky offers solid financial value for most students. The average net price sits at $17,218, making it accessible compared to many flagship universities. Graduates earn a median of $59,025 ten years after leaving, while typical debt loads reach $22,500. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,267 net price, showing the university's commitment to affordability. Monthly loan payments average $239 for those who borrow.
The school accepts nearly 95% of applicants, welcoming students with an average SAT of 1180. About 62% of students come from Kentucky, creating a strong in-state community feel. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors at this research-focused institution. SEC athletics dominate campus culture, with 596 student-athletes competing across 20 varsity sports and drawing passionate fan support year-round.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 82.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 69.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.9%
- Retention Rate
- 86.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,025
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $116,083 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $114,892 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $114,730 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $93,555 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $92,277 |
| Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research. | Doctoral | $76,460 |
| Mining and Mineral Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,512 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Public Health. | Doctoral | $69,338 |
Campus Life
Basketball dominates campus life during winter months. Rupp Arena sits downtown, just minutes from campus, where students camp out for tickets to see the Wildcats play in the SEC. You'll need a winter coat for December through February, though spring arrives early and summers get humid. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture halls for intro classes, but professors know your name by junior year. Students hit the bars on Limestone Street or tailgate at Commonwealth Stadium for football weekends. Greek life claims about 20% of students. The campus retention rate of 86.67% suggests most freshmen stick around, drawn by in-state tuition of $13,212 and the chance to bleed blue in one of college basketball's most passionate fan bases.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 8,300 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1865
Campus Safety (2023)
278 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 54 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 49 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Rape | 22 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 22 | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 24 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 21 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Burglary | 17 | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Murder | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–42°F
- July Avg
- 66°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 49.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 14.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.0%
- Women
- 58.0%
- White
- 76.2%
- Black
- 6.6%
- Hispanic
- 6.4%
- Asian
- 3.7%
- In-State Students
- 62.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.5%
Location
- Address
- Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0032
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,025
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $60,703
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $239/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Kentucky?
University of Kentucky accepts 94.89% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students across Kentucky and beyond. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1070-1290 on the SAT. This open admissions approach reflects the university's mission as Kentucky's flagship public institution.
How much does University of Kentucky cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $17,218 annually after aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $10,267. Out-of-state tuition runs $33,406 before aid, while in-state students pay $13,212. The university keeps costs manageable for Kentucky residents while generating revenue from its 38% out-of-state population.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Kentucky?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 17:1 across the university's 23,189 students. As a major research university, UK balances large lecture courses with smaller seminars and labs. The retention rate of 86.67% suggests most students adapt well to the academic environment.
What do University of Kentucky graduates earn after college?
Graduates earn a median of $59,025 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 95.7%. The typical graduate carries $22,500 in student debt with monthly payments of $239. UK's strong alumni network throughout Kentucky and the SEC region helps open career doors.
Where do students live at University of Kentucky?
Campus housing accommodates 8,300 students in residence halls and apartments throughout Lexington. The large city setting provides plenty of off-campus options for the remaining students. Women make up 57.99% of the student body, creating a slight gender imbalance typical of many state universities.
How successful is University of Kentucky's basketball program?
The Wildcats compete in the strong SEC conference with 20 varsity sports and 596 total athletes. Basketball dominates campus culture, with the program receiving significant attention and resources from the $16.5 million athletic scholarship budget. The team's NCAA tournament success has made UK basketball a source of statewide pride and national recognition.
