KY State vs. Union Commonwealth University

Comparable Facts

Compare Kentucky State University in Frankfort, KY with Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Kentucky State University is larger than Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (2,020 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kentucky State University is located in Frankfort, KY (Distant Town setting); Union Commonwealth University is in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Kentucky State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kentucky State University 10:1; Union Commonwealth University 14:1.

KY State vs. Union Commonwealth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KY State or Union Commonwealth University? 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 Kentucky State University than Union Commonwealth University ($9,397 vs. $17,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 4.9% lower than at Kentucky State University ($8,261 vs. $8,686).
• Union Commonwealth University is 229.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than KY State (about $21,559 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $9,387.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 126.6% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Kentucky State University (about $17,288 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $13,658.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Kentucky State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 160.7% larger than aid received by Kentucky State University students ($26,961 vs. $10,340).

KY State vs. Union Commonwealth University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, KY State or Union Commonwealth University? 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 Union Commonwealth University and KY State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union Commonwealth University (1010) is 90 points higher than at KY State (920).
• Incoming KY State students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 17) as students at Union Commonwealth University (17).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kentucky State University 820/1010; Union Commonwealth University 920/1105.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kentucky State University 14/20; Union Commonwealth University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KY State - Test optional; Union Commonwealth University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Union Commonwealth University students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.15) than students at KY State (2.72).
• KY State has a higher acceptance rate (96.1%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27% at KY State vs. 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University.

KY State vs. Union Commonwealth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KY State and Union Commonwealth University? 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).

• Union Commonwealth University's six-year graduation rate (32%) is higher than Kentucky State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Union Commonwealth University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than KY State graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,800 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than KY State graduates ($24,000 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than KY State graduates ($248 vs. $299).
• More Union Commonwealth University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KY State students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 24%)

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.