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University of Kentucky vs Spalding University

University of Kentucky is a public university in Lexington, KY, and Spalding University is a private university in Louisville, KY. University of Kentucky is the more selective of the two, admitting about 93% of applicants against 99% at Spalding University. University of Kentucky is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,851 a year against $25,491 at Spalding University. About 71% of students graduate at University of Kentucky, compared with 54% at Spalding University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Kentucky alumni earn a median of about $59,025, against $49,438 for Spalding University.

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public

Spalding University

Louisville, KY · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Lexington, KY
Louisville, KY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
24,763
583
Acceptance rate
93%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~3.58 avg
3.06–3.56
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1290
875–1038
ACT (middle 50%)
21–28
15–22
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,851
$25,491
Full cost / yr
$34,391
$45,530
In-state tuition
$13,502
$29,200
Out-of-state tuition
$34,140
$29,200
Application fee
$50
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,182
$20,509
$30k - $48k
$12,119
$22,475
$48k - $75k
$16,313
$24,378
$75k - $110k
$21,192
$28,122
Over $110k
$26,781
$29,278
Outcomes
Graduation rate
71%
54%
Freshman retention
87%
64%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,266
$42,870
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,025
$49,438
Median debt at graduation
$22,500
$25,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
36%
First-generation students
23%
35%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 15
Rolling

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 University of Kentucky or Spalding University harder to get into?
University of Kentucky is harder to get into. It admits about 93% of applicants, compared with 99% at Spalding 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, University of Kentucky or Spalding University?
University of Kentucky is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,851 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,491 at Spalding University. 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 University of Kentucky and Spalding University?
Before aid, University of Kentucky costs about $34,391 a year and Spalding University about $45,530. 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, University of Kentucky or Spalding University?
University of Kentucky. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,182 there, against about $20,509 at Spalding University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Kentucky or Spalding University?
University of Kentucky is the larger of the two, with about 24,763 undergraduates against 583 at Spalding University.
Does University of Kentucky or Spalding University have a better graduation rate?
University of Kentucky has the higher graduation rate, at about 71% against 54% at Spalding University.
Do graduates of University of Kentucky or Spalding University earn more?
University of Kentucky alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,025 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,438 for Spalding University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Kentucky and Spalding University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Kentucky is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Spalding University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do University of Kentucky and Spalding University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1290 at University of Kentucky and 875–1038 at Spalding University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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