University of Kentucky vs Kentucky State University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of Kentucky comes out ahead: 69/100 to 9/100, a 60-point edge over Kentucky State University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Kentucky State University runs $8,040 a year against $18,851 at University of Kentucky - $10,811 more a year, or about $43,244 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Kentucky graduates earn a median $59,025 against $36,382 at Kentucky State University. The cost earns itself back in 9 years at University of Kentucky and 124.6 years at Kentucky State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Kentucky owing a median $22,500 versus $25,938 at Kentucky State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.52 and 1.01 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Kentucky | Kentucky State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $13,502 | $9,387 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,140 | $13,658 |
| Net Price (avg) | $18,851 | $8,040 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $75,404 | $32,160 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $43,500 | $25,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $59,025 | $36,382 |
| Graduation Rate | 71.4% | 31.9% |
| Payback Period | 9 yr | 124.6 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $22,500 | $25,938 |
| Monthly Payment | $239 | $275 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.52 | 1.01 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 74.8% | 43.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 68.1% | 29.1% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 92.9% | 96.1% |
| Enrollment | 24,763 | 1,309 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Kentuc... | Kentucky State Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,182 | $10,225 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,119 | $6,739 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $16,313 | $5,256 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $21,192 | $1,958 |
| $110,001+ | $26,781 | N/A |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Kentuc... | Kentucky State Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | $69,451 | $42,392 |
| Journalism | $52,785 | $42,363 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $51,379 | $34,522 |
| Psychology | $46,570 | $42,743 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Kentuc... | Kentucky State Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 70 | 11 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 68 | 9 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 70 | 5 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 80 | 12 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 54 | 5 |
| Overall ROI Score | 69 | 9 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Kentucky clearly outperforms Kentucky State University (69 vs 9), a 60-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Kentucky State University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to University of Kentucky.
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University of Kentucky
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Kentucky State University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.