Kentucky vs. Roanoke College

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kentucky is larger than Roanoke College based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 1,804 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); Roanoke College is in Salem, VA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Roanoke College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; Roanoke College 11:1.

Kentucky vs. Roanoke College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky or Roanoke 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 Roanoke College ($21,958 vs. $26,044).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Roanoke College are 4.1% lower than at University of Kentucky ($15,366 vs. $16,016).
• Roanoke College is 181.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $24,566 more per year; $38,068.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.5% higher at Roanoke College than at University of Kentucky (about $3,928 more per year; $38,068.00 vs. $34,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Roanoke College than at University of Kentucky (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Roanoke College students is 118.5% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($28,188 vs. $12,898).

Kentucky vs. Roanoke College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Roanoke College (1200) is 20 points higher than at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming Roanoke College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at Kentucky).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; Roanoke College 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; Roanoke College 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; Roanoke College - Test optional.
• 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 Roanoke College (3.56).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Roanoke College (83.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 9.7% at Roanoke College.

Kentucky vs. Roanoke College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky and Roanoke 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).

• Roanoke College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from Roanoke College earn a median of about $200 more per year than Kentucky graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,200 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than Roanoke College graduates ($22,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Roanoke College graduates ($235 vs. $279).
• More Roanoke College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kentucky students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.