Kentucky vs. Kent State

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY with Kent State University at Kent in Kent, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kentucky is larger than Kent State based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 26,374 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); Kent State University at Kent is in Kent, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kent State University at Kent is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; Kent State University at Kent 20:1.

Kentucky vs. Kent State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky or Kent State? 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 Kent State University at Kent than Kentucky ($21,278 vs. $21,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kent State University at Kent are 13.9% lower than at University of Kentucky ($13,794 vs. $16,016).
• University of Kentucky is 2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kent State (about $270 more per year; $13,502.00 vs. $13,232.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.9% higher at Kentucky than at Kent State University at Kent (about $11,058 more per year; $34,140.00 vs. $23,082.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Kentucky as at Kent State University at Kent (95% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kentucky students is 28% larger than aid received by Kent State University at Kent students ($12,898 vs. $10,076).

Kentucky vs. Kent State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kentucky or Kent State? 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 Kent State and Kentucky.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kentucky (1180) is 50 points higher than at Kent State (1130).
• Incoming Kentucky students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Kent State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; Kent State University at Kent 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; Kent State University at Kent 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; Kent State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027; Kent State Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kent State students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Kent State (86.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 20.3% at Kent State.

Kentucky vs. Kent State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky and Kent State? 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).

• University of Kentucky's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Kent State University at Kent's (50%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $10,700 more per year than Kent State graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $3,075 lower median loan debt than Kent State graduates ($22,750 vs. $25,825).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kent State graduates ($235 vs. $267).
• More Kentucky graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kent State students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 46%)

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.