Kentucky vs. Ole Miss

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kentucky is larger than Ole Miss based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 26,449 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); University of Mississippi is in University, MS (Remote Town setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Mississippi is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; University of Mississippi 18:1.

Kentucky vs. Ole Miss Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky or Ole Miss? 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 Mississippi than Kentucky ($15,045 vs. $21,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Mississippi are 21.3% lower than at University of Kentucky ($12,600 vs. $16,016).
• University of Kentucky is 38.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ole Miss (about $3,730 more per year; $13,502.00 vs. $9,772.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.4% higher at Kentucky than at University of Mississippi (about $5,540 more per year; $34,140.00 vs. $28,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Kentucky than at University of Mississippi (95% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kentucky students is 3.6% larger than aid received by University of Mississippi students ($12,898 vs. $12,455).

Kentucky vs. Ole Miss Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kentucky (1180) is 80 points higher than at Ole Miss (1100).
• Incoming Ole Miss 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; University of Mississippi 1000/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; University of Mississippi 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; Ole Miss - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ole Miss students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Ole Miss has a higher acceptance rate (96.6%) than Kentucky (92.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 18.5% at Ole Miss.

Kentucky vs. Ole Miss Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky and Ole Miss? 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 Mississippi's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from University of Mississippi earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Kentucky graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,700 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Mississippi graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Kentucky graduates ($20,000 vs. $22,750).
• Among borrowers, Ole Miss graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kentucky graduates ($206 vs. $235).
• More Kentucky graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ole Miss students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 60%)

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.