University of Kentucky
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$52,848
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$12,266/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4.3 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
364%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 92.4% and a graduation rate of 69.3%. The average in-state tuition is $13,212. One year after graduation, alumni earn an average of $45,496. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $47,266, and after ten years, earnings reach $59,025.
The median debt for University of Kentucky graduates is $22,500. With an average starting salary of $45,496, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.5. The average salary is more than three times the tuition cost.
Based on the provided data, the break-even point, or the time it takes to earn back the tuition cost, is less than one year. This is calculated by dividing the tuition cost by the average starting salary.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$13,212
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$47,266
Graduation Rate
69%
Receive Financial Aid
35%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing. | $52,848 | $58,361 | 784% |
| Business/Commerce, General. | $52,848 | $59,354 | 822% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $52,848 | $61,655 | 909% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | $52,848 | $42,393 | 180% |
| Psychology, General. | $52,848 | $41,186 | 134% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $52,848 | $71,215 | 1271% |
| Biology, General. | $52,848 | $44,651 | 265% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $52,848 | $46,390 | 331% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $52,848 | $67,805 | 1141% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $52,848 | $81,498 | 1660% |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | $52,848 | $51,501 | 524% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $52,848 | $39,718 | 79% |
Peer Comparison
364%
20yr ROI
362%
20yr ROI
386%
20yr ROI
528%
20yr ROI
504%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.