Alabama vs. Kentucky

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL with University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Alabama is larger than Kentucky based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 34,709 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); University of Kentucky is in Lexington, KY (Large City setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; University of Kentucky 18:1.

Alabama vs. Kentucky Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama 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 Alabama ($21,958 vs. $22,559).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Alabama are 6.2% lower than at University of Kentucky ($15,016 vs. $16,016).
• University of Kentucky is 10.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alabama (about $1,322 more per year; $13,502.00 vs. $12,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.1% higher at Alabama than at University of Kentucky (about $32 more per year; $34,172.00 vs. $34,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Kentucky than at The University of Alabama (95% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Alabama students is 35.7% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($17,503 vs. $12,898).

Alabama vs. Kentucky Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama 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 Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Alabama (1290) is 110 points higher than at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming Alabama students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at Kentucky).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; University of Kentucky 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; University of Kentucky 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; Kentucky - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027; Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alabama students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Alabama (76.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 22.2% at Kentucky.

Alabama vs. Kentucky Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama 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).

• The University of Alabama's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Alabama graduates ($22,750 vs. $23,750).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama graduates ($235 vs. $245).
• More Kentucky graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 59%)

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.