University of Kentucky (UK) 2026 Admission 93%, Cost $30k

92.94%

Acceptance Rate

$10,268

Avg.Financial Aid

001989

FAFSA Code

College Search

★ University of Kentucky (UK) Report Card

Selectivity

—

92.9% acceptance rate

Academics

71% graduation rate

Class Size

C-

16:1 student-faculty ratio

Value

B-

$34,140 tuition

Grades calculated by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES data. Methodology: How we grade →

★ Key Facts: University of Kentucky (UK)

Institution: University of Kentucky (UK)
Type: Public

Data compiled by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES and official university sources. Last verified July 2026. Citable source →

University of Kentucky (UK)

Type Control of Institution - Public/Private
Public
Acceptance Rate:
N/A
Level
4 Years
Religious Affiliation Indicates religious affiliation (denomination) for private not-for-profit institutions that are religiously affiliated.
Not applicable
Accreditation Accreditation is the process by which the quality of learning at various educational institutions are evaluated. Read More.
SACSCOC
Website
www.uky.edu
Student Population Number of Students attending College
24,763
On Campus Housing Does the institution provide on-campus housing?
Yes

University of Kentucky in Lexington is a school that's genuinely transforming while staying true to itself. The campus is beautiful, with real historic buildings mixed with modern facilities. Lexington is a manageable city size—big enough to have culture, small enough to feel like a college town. Students are friendly and unpretentious, ambitious without the anxiety you find at coasts. The vibe is collaborative and genuinely Southern in the welcoming sense, not the exclusive sense. People here want each other to succeed in a way that feels authentic.

Engineering is solid and well-resourced, especially mechanical and electrical engineering. But Kentucky's real strength is how the university has invested in making strong programs accessible across disciplines. Business is legitimately good. The honors program is rigorous and creates real intellectual community. Sciences have adequate resources and engaged faculty. Professors genuinely know students; office hours feel like conversations with people invested in your development. The university has been making real commitments to improving undergraduate experience, which means resources are trickling toward teaching and mentorship.

The student body is becoming more diverse, though it still skews somewhat homogeneous and conservative-leaning compared to coasts. Greek life is present and culturally significant, though not the only social outlet. The location in Kentucky means you're not paying premium prices for a legitimately strong education. Housing and dining are functional and improving. Basketball is genuinely important to campus culture, which either appeals to you or doesn't. What makes Kentucky interesting right now is that it's investing seriously in becoming a better university while maintaining the authentic, collaborative culture that makes people actually want to be there. For in-state and regional students especially, it's a genuinely solid choice for engineering, business, and liberal arts.

Location & Contact

Address

South Limestone, Lexington, Kentucky

Contact

Phone: (859) 257-9000

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Rankings

The ranking of a particular university helps a student decide where to apply, which is always a tough decision. The ranking of universities by Forbes is done keeping in mind common metrics like acceptance rate, endowment, benefits, and SAT scores, among others. Moreover, Forbes has placed University of Kentucky at the 308th position among other national universities.

Admissions

Application Deadline Deadline for application submissions. Please contact the school for more details.
15th Feb
Acceptance Rate Percentage of applicants who are accepted in an Institution.
92.94%
SAT Range
1080 - 1300
SAT/ACT
Required
ACT Range
23 - 29
High School GPA
Required
Application Fee
$50
Accept Common App
Yes

The admission to University of Kentucky is fairly easy and the students can make the most out of it. University of Kentucky has 4 admission thresholds. To kickstart the admission process at UK, the candidates have to fill an application form and submit a fee of $50. The SAT score in the range of 1070-1320 would boost a student's chances of securing admission. Notably, students securing ACT score less than 22 might also given admission but the average ACT score at University of Kentucky is 25. As expected, the candidates can complete the process either online or by visiting the school's office at South Limestone, Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0032. To gather more information, they can call them at (859) 257-9000.

Full Admission Info Find College Scholarships Request Info

Annual Cost to Attend

Net Price Cost of attendance minus any grants and scholarships received.
$18,851
Average Annual Cost
$13,502

Additional Costs:

Books And Supplies
$30,101
Other Fees
$1,349
Room And Board The charges for an academic year for Rooming accommodations and meals for a typical student.
$12,814
Budget For Other Expenses
$4,042

Total One Year Cost

$30,101

The next two things to keep in mind before applying to UK are the tuition fees and the cost of living during the course tenure. The total one-year cost on a full-time basis would be somewhere around $40,088. Students can also explore numerous financial aid options offered by the university.

Explore Programs Explore Student Loans Explore Tuition and Cost

Academics

Highest Degree Offered The highest degree offered by the Institution.

Doctor's degree

Student:Faculty Ratio

16:1

Full-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

87%

Part-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

39%

Academic Calendar

Semester

Research Funding per Student

$11,624

Faculty Overview

58%

Male Professors

42%

Female Professors

Non-traditional Learning

Evening Degree Programs

Teacher Certification

Distance Education

Study Abroad

Majors

Student Body

Undergraduate Students

22,136

Socio-Economic Diversity Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

23%

Full-time / Part-time

93% / 7%

Students Gender

Male

45%

US National: 44%

Female

55%

US National: 56%

LGBTQIA STUDENT RESOURCE GROUPS

ON CAMPUS WOMEN'S CENTER

Race/Ethnicity

White

75%

Unknown

Black

Hispanic

Two or more races

Non Resident alien

Asian

American Indian/Alaska native

Native Hawaiians/Pacific islander

Geographic Density

High

Unknown Location

35%

Out Of State

64%

In State

Foreign

Economic Diversity

36% percentage of students who recieved an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

Median Household Income

$59,288 per year

Campus Life

Housing

The students can reside on campus and N/A of Freshman Live On-Campus.

On Campus Housing Available

Yes

Freshmen Required to Live on Campus

Freshmen Live on Campus

N/A

Undergrads in College Housing

N/A

Averege Housing Cost

$8,664/year

Campus Food

The institution has several dining and meal plan options available to students and the average meal plan cost is around $4,150/year.

Meal Plan Available

Yes

Average Meal Plan Available

$4,150/year

Athletes

Division Sports Nickname

Wildcats

School Colors

blue and white

Varsity Athletics Association

NCAA

Varsity Athletics Conference Primary

Southeastern Conference

Total Male Athletes

308

Total Female Athletes

188

Intramural Sports

Sports Club

Sports Team (Men)

Baseball

Basketball

Cross Country

Football

Golf

Rifle

Soccer

Swimming and Diving

Tennis

Track and Field

Sports Team (Women)

Basketball

Cross Country

Golf

Gymnastics

Rifle

Soccer

Softball

Swimming and Diving

Tennis

Track and Field

Volleyball

Campus Security

The university additionally offers an on-campus housing facility for students who wish to dwell nearby. At UK, $13,210 is the normal expense for on-campus housing, which a student will be needed to pay, each year. The students at University of Kentucky have several dining and meal plan options to choose from. Moreover, the average meal plan costs around $4,150 per year. The university has taken a lot of measures to ensure the safety and security of its students. Some of these measures include 24-hr security patrol, campus emergency phones, 24-hr escort safety rides and mobile campus emergency alert. The university has enrolled around 44% male and 56% female students.

24-Hour Security Patrol

Campus Emergency Phones

24-Hour Escort Safety rides

Mobile Campus Emergency Alert

After Graduation

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation

$36,900/year

Median Earnings 10 Years After Graduation

$45,100/year

Median Total Debt After Graduation The median cumulative federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated.

$16,472 - $28,750

Typical Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 4.53% interest rate.

$171 - $298

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Show data for students who

and started their studies

Out of 7,811 students

30% Graduated

10% Still Enrolled

15% Transfer

1% Withdraw

Financial Aid

Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid.

93%

Average Aid Per Year

$10,268

Students Receiving Federal Grants

26%

Average Aid Per Year

$4,677

Students Receiving State Aid

61%

Average Aid Per Year

$2,529

Students Receiving Institutional Grants

73%

Average Aid Per Year

$9,269

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

Income

Average Amount

< $30K

$15,292

$30K - $48K

$14,233

$48K - $75K

$10,275

$75K - $110K

$6,668

> $110K

$4,645

Total Needs based Scholarships/Grants

$12,225,143

The financial aid department of University of Kentucky helps students by assisting them with scholarships, grants, and student loans in the event that they find the fees and the cost of living at the campus to be expensive. The average financial aid at University of Kentucky is around $10,178 and the federal grant is $4,719. Prospective students can benefit from state-level aid worth $2,554 as well as institutional aid worth $10,178. At UK, the total amount of need-based scholarships/grants awarded to students stands at $12,225,143 per year.

Explore Financial Aid & Scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions About University of Kentucky (UK)

How hard is it to get into University of Kentucky (UK)?

University of Kentucky (UK) is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 92.9%. Strong applicants typically have above-average test scores, a rigorous course load, and compelling extracurricular activities.

How much does University of Kentucky (UK) cost?

Tuition at University of Kentucky (UK) is approximately $34,140 per year before financial aid. Room, board, fees, and personal expenses add to the total cost of attendance. Most students receive scholarships or financial aid that reduces the net price.

How many students attend University of Kentucky (UK)?

University of Kentucky (UK) enrolls approximately 24,763 students across its programs.

What is the graduation rate at University of Kentucky (UK)?

The graduation rate at University of Kentucky (UK) is 71%, reflecting the percentage of students who complete their degree within the standard timeframe.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Kentucky (UK)?

The student-faculty ratio at University of Kentucky (UK) is 16:1, meaning students typically have good access to faculty for mentoring, research, and smaller class experiences.

What SAT and ACT scores do I need for University of Kentucky (UK)?

University of Kentucky (UK) typically admits students with SAT scores in the range of 540-650 (Reading) and 530-640 (Math) and ACT composite scores of 21-28. Check the admissions office for the most current testing requirements and whether test-optional policies apply.

Is University of Kentucky (UK) a public or private university?

University of Kentucky (UK) is a public institution.

When is the application deadline for University of Kentucky (UK)?

Application deadlines at University of Kentucky (UK) vary by program. Early Decision and Early Action applicants typically submit in November, while Regular Decision deadlines fall in early January. Always check the official admissions website for the current cycle's dates.

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University of Kentucky (UK) — 2026 Profile - Lexington, Kentucky

★ University of Kentucky (UK) Report Card

★ Key Facts: University of Kentucky (UK)

University of Kentucky (UK)

Location & Contact

Rankings

Admissions

Annual Cost to Attend

Academics

Majors

Student Body

Students Gender

Geographic Density

Economic Diversity

Campus Life

After Graduation

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Financial Aid

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

Frequently Asked Questions About University of Kentucky (UK)

Other Colleges In Kentucky

Near By Colleges

Other Public Colleges

Online Education at MCC

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★ University of Kentucky (UK) Report Card

★ Key Facts: University of Kentucky (UK)

University of Kentucky (UK)

Location & Contact

Rankings

Admissions

Annual Cost to Attend

Academics

Majors

Student Body

Students Gender

Geographic Density

Economic Diversity

Campus Life

After Graduation

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Financial Aid

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

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University of Kentucky (UK) — 2026

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