Kentucky vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY with Lee University in Cleveland, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kentucky is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; Lee University 13:1.

Kentucky vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky or Lee 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 Lee University than Kentucky ($20,416 vs. $21,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 36.9% lower than at University of Kentucky ($10,110 vs. $16,016).
• Lee University is 76.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $10,288 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.5% higher at Kentucky than at Lee University (about $10,350 more per year; $34,140.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at University of Kentucky (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lee University students is 19.9% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($15,467 vs. $12,898).

Kentucky vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kentucky or Lee 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 Lee University and Kentucky.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kentucky (1180) is 40 points higher than at Lee University (1140).
• Incoming Kentucky students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Lee University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 35% at Lee University.

Kentucky vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky and Lee 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).

• University of Kentucky's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Lee University's (49%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($22,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($235 vs. $279).
• More Kentucky graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lee University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 60%)

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.