Overview
University of Kentucky is an open admission public four-year institution in Lexington, Kentucky. The school accepts most applicants who complete the application process.
Admission Guide
You can apply to University of Kentucky through the Common Application or UK's direct application portal, with a priority deadline of February 15 for fall admission. The application requires your high school transcript, but UK does not require standardized test scores for admission, though you can still submit them if they strengthen your application.
While UK admits most applicants overall, several programs maintain competitive admission standards. The College of Engineering, College of Nursing, and College of Pharmacy require separate applications with higher academic requirements and earlier deadlines. The business school also has a competitive direct-admit program for incoming freshmen, though you can apply to business courses after completing prerequisite classes.
Submit your housing application as soon as you're admitted since residence halls fill up quickly, especially the newer facilities like Limestone and Lewis Hall. UK requires all freshmen under 21 to live on campus unless they live with family within 50 miles of Lexington.
Register for Summer Orientation as early as possible after enrollment. These sessions fill up fast, and attending earlier gives you better class selection for fall semester. You'll complete placement testing, meet with advisors, and register for courses during your session.
UK operates on a semester system and offers over 200 undergraduate programs. The campus spans 918 acres in Lexington, with most buildings clustered around the central White Hall Classroom Building. Basketball season dominates campus culture, and student tickets for Rupp Arena games are distributed through a lottery system you'll want to enter immediately.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $17,218/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $13,212
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $33,406
- Students Receiving Aid
- 22%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.9%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $59,025/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 86.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Kentucky require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
University of Kentucky is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If your scores strengthen your application, you should include them.
What is the application deadline for University of Kentucky?
University of Kentucky has a February 15 priority deadline for fall admission. Applications submitted after this date are reviewed on a space-available basis.
How many credit hours can transfer students bring to University of Kentucky?
Transfer students can bring up to 60 credit hours from community colleges or other institutions. Students need at least 24 transferable credit hours to apply as a transfer rather than a first-year student.
Does University of Kentucky offer early admission programs?
University of Kentucky does not offer early decision or early action programs. All applications are reviewed through the regular admission process with the same February 15 priority deadline.