University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky · Public · 92.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 69/100 · Fair Value
University of Kentucky
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $13,502/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $34,140/yr |
| Average net price | $18,851/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $75,404 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,025 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $43,500 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $239 |
| Estimated payback period | 9 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 71.4% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 24,763 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,182 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,119 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,313 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,192 |
| $110,001+ | $26,781 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Kentucky with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | $69,451 | C+ |
| Registered Nursing | $81,941 | B |
| Marketing | $70,776 | C+ |
| Finance and Financial Management | $84,087 | B |
| Psychology | $46,570 | D |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $51,379 | C |
| Biology | $52,163 | D |
| Communication and Media Studies | $55,653 | C |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $99,535 | B+ |
| Mechanical Engineering | $90,654 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Kentucky is $13,502/year ($34,140/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $18,851/year, or roughly $75,404 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $12,182/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $26,781/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $239 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $59,025 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.52 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 70.0% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 74.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 68.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 75.7% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 92.9% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 530-640 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 540-650 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 21-28 |
| Enrollment | 24,763 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 22.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,984 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kentucky (this school) | 69 | $18,851 | $59,025 |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | 69 | $21,279 | $60,543 |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | 69 | $4,831 | $49,620 |
| University of Nevada-Las Vegas | 67 | $10,359 | $55,037 |
| Eastern Kentucky University | 39 | $11,040 | $45,795 |
| Kentucky State University | 9 | $8,040 | $36,382 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
University of Kentucky offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $18,851 per year leads to $75,404 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $59,025 a decade out. The payback period of 9 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: a 71.4% graduation rate.
Median debt of $22,500 against $59,025 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.