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Kentucky State University vs University of Kentucky

Kentucky State University is a public university in Frankfort, KY. University of Kentucky is a public university in Lexington, KY. University of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants and Kentucky State University about 96%, making University of Kentucky the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $8,040 a year at Kentucky State University after aid, and about $18,851 at University of Kentucky. About 71% of students graduate at University of Kentucky, compared with 30% at Kentucky State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Kentucky alumni earn a median of about $59,025, against $36,382 for Kentucky State University.

Kentucky State University

Frankfort, KY · Public

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Frankfort, KY
Lexington, KY
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,309
24,763
Acceptance rate
96%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.06–3.56
~3.58 avg
SAT (middle 50%)
820–1010
1070–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
14–17
21–28
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$8,040
$18,851
Full cost / yr
$21,727
$34,391
In-state tuition
$9,387
$13,502
Out-of-state tuition
$13,658
$34,140
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,225
$12,182
$30k - $48k
$6,739
$12,119
$48k - $75k
$5,256
$16,313
$75k - $110k
$1,958
$21,192
Over $110k
Not reported
$26,781
Outcomes
Graduation rate
30%
71%
Freshman retention
64%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$29,640
$47,266
Median earnings (10 yr)
$36,382
$59,025
Median debt at graduation
$25,938
$22,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
58%
23%
First-generation students
40%
23%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Kentucky State University or University of Kentucky harder to get into?
University of Kentucky is harder to get into. It admits about 93% of applicants, compared with 96% at Kentucky State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Kentucky State University or University of Kentucky?
Kentucky State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $8,040 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,851 at University of Kentucky. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Kentucky State University and University of Kentucky?
Before aid, Kentucky State University costs about $21,727 a year and University of Kentucky about $34,391. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Kentucky State University or University of Kentucky?
Kentucky State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,225 there, against about $12,182 at University of Kentucky. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Kentucky State University or University of Kentucky?
University of Kentucky is the larger of the two, with about 24,763 undergraduates against 1,309 at Kentucky State University.
Does Kentucky State University or University of Kentucky have a better graduation rate?
University of Kentucky has the higher graduation rate, at about 71% against 30% at Kentucky State University.
Do graduates of Kentucky State University or University of Kentucky earn more?
University of Kentucky alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,025 ten years after enrolling, against about $36,382 for Kentucky State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Kentucky State University and University of Kentucky require SAT or ACT scores?
Kentucky State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. University of Kentucky is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Kentucky State University and University of Kentucky look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 820–1010 at Kentucky State University and 1070–1290 at University of Kentucky. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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