Kentucky vs. Ohio University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY with Ohio University Main Campus in Athens, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kentucky is larger than Ohio University based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 26,323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); Ohio University Main Campus is in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; Ohio University Main Campus 18:1.

Kentucky vs. Ohio University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky or Ohio 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 Ohio University Main Campus than Kentucky ($21,907 vs. $21,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio University Main Campus are 11.6% lower than at University of Kentucky ($14,162 vs. $16,016).
• Ohio University Main Campus is 4.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $656 more per year; $14,158.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.5% higher at Kentucky than at Ohio University Main Campus (about $9,302 more per year; $34,140.00 vs. $24,838.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Kentucky than at Ohio University Main Campus (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kentucky students is 36.9% larger than aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students ($12,898 vs. $9,422).

Kentucky vs. Ohio University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio University Main Campus (1190) is 10 points higher than at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming Ohio 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; Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; Ohio University Main Campus 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; Ohio University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027; Ohio University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kentucky students have the same average high school GPA (3.59) as students at Ohio University (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Ohio University (85%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 19.2% at Ohio University.

Kentucky vs. Ohio University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky and Ohio 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).

• Ohio University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than Ohio University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio University Main Campus graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Kentucky graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,750).
• Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kentucky graduates ($211 vs. $235).
• More Kentucky graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 51%)

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.