Kentucky vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kentucky is larger than Union University based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 2,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; Union University 9:1.

Kentucky vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky or Union 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 Union University ($21,958 vs. $28,452).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union University are 20.2% lower than at University of Kentucky ($12,780 vs. $16,016).
• Union University is 196.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $26,523 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.2% higher at Union University than at University of Kentucky (about $5,885 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $34,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union University than at University of Kentucky (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union University students is 133.5% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($30,120 vs. $12,898).

Kentucky vs. Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union University (1280) is 100 points higher than at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming Union University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Kentucky).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Union University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Union University (60.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Kentucky vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky and Union 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).

• Union University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $2,090 lower median loan debt than Union University graduates ($22,750 vs. $24,840).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union University graduates ($235 vs. $256).
• More Union University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kentucky students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.