Kentucky vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY with Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Liberty University is larger than Kentucky based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 34,709 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Kentucky vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky or Liberty 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 University of Kentucky than Liberty University ($21,958 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Liberty University are 13.6% lower than at University of Kentucky ($13,835 vs. $16,016).
• Liberty University is 66.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $8,963 more per year; $22,465.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52% higher at Kentucky than at Liberty University (about $11,675 more per year; $34,140.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Liberty University than at University of Kentucky (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kentucky students is 3.3% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($12,898 vs. $12,489).

Kentucky vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

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

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kentucky (1180) is 30 points higher than at Liberty University (1150).
• Incoming Liberty University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Kentucky).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kentucky students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Liberty University (3.56).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Kentucky (92.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

Kentucky vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky and Liberty 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 Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $1,416 lower median loan debt than Liberty University graduates ($22,750 vs. $24,166).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Liberty University graduates ($235 vs. $249).
• More Kentucky graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 36%)

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.