University of Kentucky
- 6/10 Overall Rating
- 4 Year
- Lexington, KY
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4.5 2 reviews
Overview
Total enrollment
34,709Best Colleges Rank
#437- Size Large
- Status Non-profit
- Housing Yes
- Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate
The University of Kentucky occupies an urban campus in Lexington, Kentucky's second-largest city, located in the heart of the Bluegrass Region. Established in 1865 as a land-grant institution, UK features a mix of modern and traditional architecture across its 784-acre campus, including the iconic Memorial Hall and William T. Young Library. The university operates as the state's flagship public research institution, with selective admission standards and comprehensive academic offerings across 16 colleges, notably known for its programs in engineering, business, pharmacy, and agriculture. The main campus houses approximately one-third of its undergraduate population in residence halls, while its athletics program competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), with particular prominence in men's basketball, including eight NCAA national championships. The university maintains a significant research presence in the region through its academic medical center and various research facilities focused on areas such as pharmaceutical sciences and agricultural innovation.
Ratings
Kentucky is rated within the top 43% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10.
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Overall Rating6 out of 10
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Academics6 out of 10
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Resources6 out of 10
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Outcomes8 out of 10
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Value6 out of 10
Rankings
Rankings for University of Kentucky within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
Admissions
Admission Standards
- SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1070/1290
- ACT (enrolled mid-50) 21/28
- GPA 3.59
Acceptance Rate
- Applications Due Feb 15, 2027
- Enrollment Rate 22.2%
- Application Fee $50
Applicant Competition Very Low
Annual Cost to Attend
Kentucky Resident Tuition
$13,502Out of State Resident Tuition
$34,140Breakdown
- Tuition $13,502
- Books and Supplies $1,200
- Other Fees $1,393
- Room and Board $16,016
- Budget for Other Expenses $5,840
- Total One Year Cost $37,951
- Tuition $34,140
- Books and Supplies $1,200
- Other Fees $1,393
- Room and Board $16,016
- Budget for Other Expenses $5,840
- Total One Year Cost $58,589
Student Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
Popular majors at University of Kentucky are Business, Communication, and Engineering. 19% of students major in Business, 8% in Communication, and 8% in Engineering.
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Business 19%
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Communication 8%
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Engineering 8%
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Education 8%
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Social Sciences 8%
More Colleges to Consider
Students considering University of Kentucky are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=157085.
GPA calculator: University of Kentucky GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026