University of Kentucky vs University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
University of Kentucky and University of Nevada-Las Vegas are closely matched on financial return. University of Kentucky scores 69/100 while University of Nevada-Las Vegas scores 67/100 - a gap small enough that individual circumstances (major choice, financial aid package, in-state vs out-of-state status) will likely matter more than the overall score difference.
On cost, University of Nevada-Las Vegas comes in at $10,359 per year (net price after aid) versus $18,851 at University of Kentucky - a difference of $8,492 annually, or roughly $33,968 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of Kentucky graduates earn a median of $59,025 compared to $55,037 at University of Nevada-Las Vegas. The payback period is 9 years at University of Kentucky versus 9.1 years at University of Nevada-Las Vegas.
Graduates leave University of Nevada-Las Vegas with a median $19,450 in debt versus $22,500 at University of Kentucky. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.52 and 0.49 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Kentucky | University of Nevada-Las ... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $13,502 | $9,748 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,140 | $27,411 |
| Net Price (avg) | $18,851 | $10,359 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $75,404 | $41,436 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $43,500 | $39,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $59,025 | $55,037 |
| Graduation Rate | 71.4% | 50.5% |
| Payback Period | 9 yr | 9.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $22,500 | $19,450 |
| Monthly Payment | $239 | $206 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.52 | 0.49 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 74.8% | 63.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 68.1% | 57.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 92.9% | 96.2% |
| Enrollment | 24,763 | 24,622 |
| SAT Range | 1070-1290 | 1010-1240 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Kentuc... | University of Nevada... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,182 | $8,526 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,119 | $8,537 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $16,313 | $10,606 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $21,192 | $13,513 |
| $110,001+ | $26,781 | $15,905 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Kentuc... | University of Nevada... |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | $96,913 | $100,765 |
| Computer Engineering | $99,945 | $93,830 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $90,654 | $97,901 |
| Registered Nursing | $81,941 | $94,600 |
| Civil Engineering | $81,031 | $90,474 |
| Accounting | $85,777 | $74,490 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $84,087 | $76,319 |
| Mathematics | $75,222 | $70,999 |
| Architecture | $62,383 | $72,468 |
| Economics | $68,532 | $72,119 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $70,942 | $64,926 |
| Marketing | $70,776 | $58,919 |
| Landscape Architecture | $64,143 | $40,901 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $62,966 | $51,437 |
| Biology | $52,163 | $62,087 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Kentuc... | University of Nevada... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 70 | 89 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 68 | 67 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 70 | 74 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 80 | 40 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 54 | 24 |
| Overall ROI Score | 69 | 67 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. University of Kentucky edges out University of Nevada-Las Vegas by 2 points (69 vs 67), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
University of Kentucky
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Fair 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.