Kentucky vs. Hope College

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY with Hope College in Holland, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kentucky is larger than Hope College based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 3,395 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); Hope College is in Holland, MI (Small City setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Hope College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; Hope College 9:1.

Kentucky vs. Hope College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky or Hope College? 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 Hope College ($21,958 vs. $30,700).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hope College are 19.1% lower than at University of Kentucky ($12,950 vs. $16,016).
• Hope College is 210.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $28,468 more per year; $41,970.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.9% higher at Hope College than at University of Kentucky (about $7,830 more per year; $41,970.00 vs. $34,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hope College than at University of Kentucky (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hope College students is 93.4% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($24,945 vs. $12,898).

Kentucky vs. Hope College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kentucky or Hope College? 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 Hope College and Kentucky.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hope College (1220) is 40 points higher than at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming Hope College 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: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; Hope College 1100/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; Hope College 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; Hope College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hope College students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Hope College (79.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 20.1% at Hope College.

Kentucky vs. Hope College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky and Hope College? 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).

• Hope College's six-year graduation rate (79%) is higher than University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Hope College graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than Hope College graduates ($22,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hope College graduates ($235 vs. $279).
• More Hope College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kentucky students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.