Kentucky vs. Sewanee

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kentucky is larger than Sewanee based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 1,724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); The University of the South is in Sewanee, TN (Distant Rural setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of the South is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; The University of the South 9:1.

Kentucky vs. Sewanee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky or Sewanee? 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 Sewanee ($21,958 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Kentucky are 0.1% lower than at The University of the South ($16,016 vs. $16,028).
• The University of the South is 315.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $42,618 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.4% higher at Sewanee than at University of Kentucky (about $21,980 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $34,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of the South than at University of Kentucky (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of the South students is 188.2% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($37,171 vs. $12,898).

Kentucky vs. Sewanee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of the South (1330) is 150 points higher than at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming Sewanee students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 24 at Kentucky).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; The University of the South 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; The University of the South 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; Sewanee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027; Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Sewanee (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 17.9% at Sewanee.

Kentucky vs. Sewanee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky and Sewanee? 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).

• The University of the South's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than Sewanee graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $49,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Kentucky graduates ($19,000 vs. $22,750).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kentucky graduates ($196 vs. $235).
• More Sewanee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kentucky students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.