Kentucky vs. University of Missouri-Columbia

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kentucky is larger than University of Missouri-Columbia based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 31,543 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); University of Missouri Columbia is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Missouri Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; University of Missouri Columbia 17:1.

Kentucky vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky or University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 University of Missouri-Columbia ($21,958 vs. $22,169).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Missouri Columbia are 14.5% lower than at University of Kentucky ($13,700 vs. $16,016).
• University of Missouri Columbia is 9.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $1,335 more per year; $14,837.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.6% higher at University of Missouri-Columbia than at University of Kentucky (about $1,916 more per year; $36,056.00 vs. $34,140.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Kentucky as at University of Missouri Columbia (95% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Missouri Columbia students is 2.4% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($13,203 vs. $12,898).

Kentucky vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kentucky or University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 University of Missouri-Columbia and Kentucky.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Missouri Columbia (1240) is 60 points higher than at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming University of Missouri-Columbia 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; University of Missouri Columbia 1150/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; University of Missouri Columbia 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; University of Missouri-Columbia - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Missouri-Columbia students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than University of Missouri-Columbia (78.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 31% at University of Missouri-Columbia.

Kentucky vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky and University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 Missouri Columbia's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from University of Missouri Columbia earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Kentucky graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,200 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Missouri Columbia graduates have a $867 lower median loan debt than Kentucky graduates ($21,883 vs. $22,750).
• Among borrowers, University of Missouri-Columbia graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kentucky graduates ($226 vs. $235).
• More University of Missouri-Columbia graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kentucky students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.