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University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky · Public

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$47,266

Acceptance Rate

92%

Graduation Rate

69%

Annual Tuition

$13,212

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of University of Kentucky earn a median of $59,025 ten years after entry — 9% above the national median. Acceptance rate 92.4%, average SAT score 1215, in-state tuition $13,212.

At a Glance

Total Students

23,189

Retention Rate

87%

Faculty Ratio

17

Financial Aid

35%

Median Debt

$22,500

Campus Setting

City

Institution Type

Public

Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores

Average SAT Score

1,215

SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)

540–650

SAT Math (middle 50%)

530–640

ACT Composite (middle 50%)

21–28

Institution Overview

The University of Kentucky is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 92.4% and a student body of 23,189. The university has a retention rate of 86.7% and a graduation rate of 69.3%. The median debt for graduates is $22,500, and 34.8% of students receive financial aid.

One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $45,496, with earnings increasing to $47,266 after five years and $59,025 after ten years. In-state tuition costs $13,212.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$45k

1 YEAR

$47k

5 YEARS

$59k

10 YEARS

Top 43% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, University of Kentucky alumni earn a median salary of $45,496. Five years after graduation, the median salary is $47,266. Ten years after graduation, the median salary increases to $59,025. The median debt for graduates is $22,500.

The University of Kentucky has a student body of 23,189 students. The university has a high acceptance rate of 92.4% and a graduation rate of 69.3%. The retention rate is 86.7%. A total of 34.8% of students receive financial aid.

Popular Programs

Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.

Business/Commerce, General

Graduates 447 / yr
Median Salary $72,349

Marketing

Graduates 329 / yr
Median Salary $48,100

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Graduates 322 / yr
Median Salary $118,603

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

Graduates 288 / yr
Median Salary $48,832

Biology, General

Graduates 284 / yr
Median Salary $43,610

Psychology, General

Graduates 268 / yr
Median Salary $28,551

Finance and Financial Management Services

Graduates 266 / yr
Median Salary $58,422

Communication and Media Studies

Graduates 263 / yr
Median Salary $39,311

Accounting and Related Services

Graduates 234 / yr
Median Salary $65,452

Mechanical Engineering

Graduates 196 / yr
Median Salary $68,448

Social Work

Graduates 194 / yr
Median Salary $49,483

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

Graduates 181 / yr
Median Salary $42,784

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication

Graduates 168 / yr
Median Salary $45,275

Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration

Graduates 162 / yr
Median Salary $90,985

Computer and Information Sciences, General

Graduates 147 / yr
Median Salary $71,293

Political Science and Government

Graduates 137 / yr
Median Salary $34,745

Medicine

Graduates 136 / yr
Median Salary $62,460

Public Health

Graduates 117 / yr
Median Salary $61,904

Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General

Graduates 112 / yr
Median Salary $19,370

Chemical Engineering

Graduates 110 / yr
Median Salary $65,389

Law

Graduates 108 / yr
Median Salary $53,600

English Language and Literature, General

Graduates 108 / yr
Median Salary $21,404

Civil Engineering

Graduates 102 / yr
Median Salary $69,305

Health and Medical Administrative Services

Graduates 98 / yr
Median Salary $56,699

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Campus Location

Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington, KY 40506-0032

University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, Kentucky. The campus is in a city setting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

University of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 92.4%.