Valpo vs. Kentucky

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kentucky is larger than Valpo based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 2,579 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Valparaiso University is located in Valparaiso, IN (Large Suburban setting); University of Kentucky is in Lexington, KY (Large City setting).
• Valparaiso University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Valparaiso University 10:1; University of Kentucky 18:1.

Valpo vs. Kentucky Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Valpo or Kentucky? 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 Valparaiso University than Kentucky ($21,766 vs. $21,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valparaiso University are 15% lower than at University of Kentucky ($13,618 vs. $16,016).
• Valparaiso University is 258.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $34,948 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.9% higher at Valpo than at University of Kentucky (about $14,310 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $34,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valparaiso University than at University of Kentucky (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valparaiso University students is 191.1% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($37,548 vs. $12,898).

Valpo vs. Kentucky Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Valpo or Kentucky? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Kentucky and Valpo.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at University of Kentucky (1180) is 10 points higher than at Valpo (1170).
• Incoming Valpo students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (27 vs. 24 at Kentucky).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Valparaiso University 1060/1280; University of Kentucky 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Valparaiso University 23/31; University of Kentucky 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Valpo - Test optional; Kentucky - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Valpo students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Valpo (89.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Valpo vs. 22.2% at Kentucky.

Valpo vs. Kentucky Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Valpo and Kentucky? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Valparaiso University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from Valparaiso University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Kentucky graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 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 Valpo graduates ($22,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Valpo graduates ($235 vs. $279).
• More Valpo graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kentucky students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.