Butler vs. Kentucky

Comparable Facts

Compare Butler University in Indianapolis, IN with University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kentucky is larger than Butler based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 5,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Butler University is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); University of Kentucky is in Lexington, KY (Large City setting).
• Butler University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Butler University 11:1; University of Kentucky 18:1.

Butler vs. Kentucky Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Butler or Kentucky? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Kentucky than Butler ($21,958 vs. $38,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Kentucky are 2.5% lower than at Butler University ($16,016 vs. $16,430).
• Butler University is 252.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $34,058 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.3% higher at Butler than at University of Kentucky (about $13,420 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $34,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Butler University than at University of Kentucky (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Butler University students is 115.5% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($27,790 vs. $12,898).

Butler vs. Kentucky Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Butler or Kentucky? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Kentucky and Butler.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Butler University (1260) is 80 points higher than at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming Butler students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at Kentucky).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 1160/1350; University of Kentucky 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 26/31; University of Kentucky 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Butler - Test optional; Kentucky - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Butler Aug 1, 2027; Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Butler students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Butler (85.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Butler vs. 22.2% at Kentucky.

Butler vs. Kentucky Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Butler and Kentucky? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Butler University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from Butler University earn a median of about $17,400 more per year than Kentucky graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than Butler graduates ($22,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Butler graduates ($235 vs. $279).
• More Butler graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kentucky students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 62%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.