At $17,218/yr net price, University of Kentucky graduates earn $59,025/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,025/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,218 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $68,872 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,025/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,025/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,267/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,329/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,557/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,655/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,687/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $116,083 | |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $114,892 | $249,454 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $114,730 | $139,898 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $93,555 | $80,472 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $92,277 | $53,600 |
| Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research. | Doctoral | $76,460 | |
| Mining and Mineral Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,512 | $78,880 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $21,500 |
| Public Health. | Doctoral | $69,338 |
The Risk Factor
69.9% of students at University of Kentucky graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Kentucky gives you a solid financial return with manageable risk. A median debt of $22,500 against $59,025 in median earnings ten years out means most of you can clear what you borrowed without it swallowing your paychecks. The 86.67% retention rate and 69.90% graduation rate matter here: you're likely to finish, and finishing is what makes the numbers work. Dropping out with debt and no degree is the real danger, and those rates keep that risk lower than at many public schools.
Engineering is where the payoff is clearest. Mining and mineral engineering leads at $71,015, and computer, electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering all clear $66,000 while carrying debt close to the school median. That combination , high pay, average borrowing , is the strongest bet UK offers. Kentucky's coal and manufacturing economy gives mining and mechanical grads a regional edge that translates directly into these salaries.
No bachelor-level data is listed outside engineering, so if you're heading into humanities, education, or social sciences, don't assume you'll land near the $59,025 median. That figure is pulled up by the engineering programs above. Weigh your expected field's pay before you borrow.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your household earns under $30,000, you pay about $10,267 a year , roughly 40% less than the $24,687 charged to families over $110,000. That gap makes UK a genuinely affordable choice if you're coming from a modest income and can graduate on time.
UK fits you if you're pursuing engineering or come from a lower-income Kentucky family. If you're paying the top tier for a lower-earning major, run the debt math carefully before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Kentucky worth the cost?
University of Kentucky offers solid value with a net price of $17,218 and graduates earning $59,025 after 10 years. The relatively low debt burden of $22,500 makes it financially reasonable for most students, though the 70% graduation rate means three in ten students don't finish.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Kentucky?
Nursing, dentistry, and pharmacy programs at University of Kentucky lead to strong earnings, with graduates making $92,000-$116,000 annually. These health-focused programs justify the investment, while other majors may struggle to reach the overall average of $59,025.
How much debt do University of Kentucky graduates have?
University of Kentucky graduates leave with a median debt of $22,500, which is manageable given the average starting salaries. This debt level is reasonable for most career paths, especially in the school's strong health programs.
Is University of Kentucky hard to get into compared to its value?
University of Kentucky accepts 95% of applicants with an average SAT of 1180, making it accessible to most students. The low admission standards paired with decent earnings potential make it a practical choice rather than a competitive one.