University of Kentucky Overview

University of Kentucky is a four-year, full-time, selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Lexington, KY. It has an enrollment of 21,358 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 94.01%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $18,268. Tuition is $12,610.00 without financial aid.

University of Kentucky is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At University of Kentucky, 85.73% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

University of Kentucky has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1.

University of Kentucky Website

University of Kentucky Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 94.01%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required

• The average SAT score was 1232.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 26.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

University of Kentucky Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $18,268. The in-state tuition is $12,610.00. Out-of-state tuition is $31,608.00

The average tuition is:

• $11,926, when family income is less than $30,000

• $13,594, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $16,418, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $21,029, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $24,030, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 36.44% of students received a federal student loan and 21.24% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $31,608.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

University of Kentucky Net Price Calculator

University of Kentucky Majors/Salaries

University of Kentucky has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at University of Kentucky here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Agricultural Business and Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• Agricultural Production Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,133
• Agricultural Public Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,960
• Animal Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,236
• Plant Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,729
• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,127
• Forestry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,141
• Architecture. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,704
• Architecture. (Master’s Degree) – $51,106
• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,348
• Journalism. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,783
• Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,739
• Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,631
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $59,350
• Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $44,468
• Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research. (Doctoral Degree) – $76,460
• Special Education and Teaching. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,521
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,461
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $38,810
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,142
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Master’s Degree) – $45,696
• Agricultural Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,087
• Chemical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $67,324
• Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,274
• Computer Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,338
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $68,666
• Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $66,592
• Mining and Mineral Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $71,015
• East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $15,922
• Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,119
• Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,598
• Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,921
• Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $43,314
• Apparel and Textiles. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,847
• Law. (First Professional Degree) – $58,274
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• English Language and Literature, General. (Doctoral Degree) – $49,019
• Library Science and Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $36,560
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,588
• Biotechnology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,007
• Mathematics. (Doctoral Degree) – $55,964
• Applied Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,087
• International/Global Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,391
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Master’s Degree) – $42,123
• Philosophy. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,598
• Chemistry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,658
• Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. (Master’s Degree) – $36,848
• Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. (Doctoral Degree) – $60,771
• Public Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $43,426
• Social Work. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,181
• Social Work. (Master’s Degree) – $38,736
• Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,687
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,356
• Geography and Cartography. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,208
• International Relations and National Security Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $53,984
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,055
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,236
• Design and Applied Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,776
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $17,779
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,034
• Music. (Doctoral Degree) – $47,260
• Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,353
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $54,331
• Dentistry. (First Professional Degree) – $114,892
• Health and Medical Administrative Services. (Master’s Degree) – $61,516
• Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $93,555
• Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,789
• Medicine. (First Professional Degree) – $56,907
• Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. (First Professional Degree) – $114,730
• Public Health. (Master’s Degree) – $50,856
• Public Health. (First Professional Degree) – $69,338
• Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $36,992
• Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (First Professional Degree) – $70,512
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,125
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (First Professional Degree) – $92,277
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $116,083
• Business/Commerce, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,319
• Business/Commerce, General. (Master’s Degree) – $62,260
• Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $50,000
• Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $59,781
• Business/Managerial Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,000
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $51,773
• Hospitality Administration/Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,848
• Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,869
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,409

University of Kentucky Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at University of Kentucky

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.20%
• Asian: 3.53%
• Black: 7.08%
• Hispanic: 5.86%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.06%
• Non-resident alien: 1.84%
• Two or more races: 4.12%
• Unknown: 2.24%
• White: 75.08%

At University of Kentucky, 6.58% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

University of Kentucky Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at University of Kentucky?

School spirit at the University of Kentucky is very high. Being home to one of the country’s most successful college basketball programs, the Wildcats, students and alumni are very proud of their school. The school’s fight song, “On, On U of K,” is frequently played at sporting events and university gatherings. Students also participate in student activities and events, including Homecoming festivities and pep rallies. The Wildcat student section, also known as the “eRUPPtion Zone,” is one of the most passionate and notorious student sections in college basketball. Overall, school spirit is a vital component of life at the University of Kentucky.

What are some popular extracurriculars at University of Kentucky?

The University of Kentucky offers a variety of extracurricular activities for students, including: 1. Student government and leadership organizations: UK has a vibrant student government and a number of student-led organizations that work to create positive change on campus and in the community. 2. Sports and recreation: UK is home to many sports teams, including basketball, football, volleyball, and more. There are also plenty of intramural sports and fitness classes. 3. Music and performing arts: Students can participate in choir, orchestra, band, dance, and theater productions. 4. Club sports: There are over 30 different club sports teams at UK, ranging from soccer to ultimate Frisbee. 5. Volunteer and service organizations: Students can get involved with a variety of service-oriented groups, such as Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the American Red Cross. 6. Academic clubs and organizations: UK has a number of academic clubs for students interested in particular subjects, such as pre-med, engineering, or business. 7. Cultural and diversity organizations: There are a number of organizations at UK that focus on promoting diversity and inclusion on campus, such as the African American Student Association, the Hispanic Latino Student Association, and the LGBTQ* Resource Center.

How are the food choices at University of Kentucky?

The University of Kentucky has numerous dining options available for students on campus, including dining halls, food courts, cafes, and coffee shops. There are a variety of cuisines available, including American, Italian, Asian, and Mexican. The campus dining services also cater to dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Additionally, the University of Kentucky has a campus farm and farmers markets where students can purchase locally grown produce. Students may choose from various meal plans to fit their needs. Overall, the food choices at the University of Kentucky offer a diverse range of options to match students’ tastes and dietary needs.

Is there Greek life at University of Kentucky?

Yes, the University of Kentucky has a large and active Greek life community. There are more than 40 fraternities and sororities at the university, each offering unique experiences and opportunities for involvement. These organizations are governed by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, and they play an important role in campus life, offering opportunities for leadership, community service, and social events. Greek life at the University of Kentucky is open to all students, and participation often creates lasting friendships and valuable networking connections.

What is University of Kentucky known for?

University of Kentucky (UK) is a public research university located in Lexington, Kentucky. It is well-known for its programs in agriculture, engineering, business, and healthcare, as well as its successful sports teams. UK is particularly renowned for its healthcare programs, specifically its College of Medicine, which is consistently ranked as one of the best in the nation for primary care and family medicine. It also has a strong reputation for its agricultural programs, with UK’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment ranking among the top agricultural programs in the country. In addition, UK is recognized for its research and innovation in various fields, including energy, biotechnology, and space science.

What are the most popular school clubs at University of Kentucky?

The University of Kentucky offers a wide range of clubs and organizations to its students. Some of the most popular clubs at the university include: 1. DanceBlue- A club that raises money for pediatric cancer research. 2. Student Activities Board- A club dedicated to organizing social events and programs for the student body. 3. UK Habitat for Humanity- A club that builds houses for families in need. 4. UK International Student Association- A club that promotes cultural diversity and offers support to international students. 5. UK Relay for Life- A club that raises money for cancer research and supports cancer survivors. 6. Greek Life- sororities and fraternities are popular at University of Kentucky. 7. Student Government Association- A club that advocates for student interests and rights. 8. Club Sports- A club that offers students the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports and competitions. These clubs provide opportunities for students to get involved on campus, develop leadership skills, and make connections with their peers.

Is the campus at University of Kentucky safe?

The University of Kentucky takes campus safety very seriously and has a variety of resources and programs in place to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff. These include a 24/7 police department, emergency phones located throughout campus, a campus escort service, safety training and education programs, and more. Additionally, the university regularly partners with local law enforcement agencies to provide joint patrols and share information on safety incidents. Overall, the campus at the University of Kentucky is considered to be safe, but as with any large campus, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings and be responsible for your own safety.