UnisHub University Compass

University of Kentucky (UK) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About University of Kentucky

In a city where horse farms meet a lively downtown, this campus blends serious academics with approachable people. Kentucky is known for strong teaching and research across health, STEM, business, and the liberal arts. You'll find bright labs, creative studios, a robust library system, plus spaces to perform or build. Advising, tutoring, and wellness care sit close by, so help comes quick when you need it.

Student life feels friendly and high energy: clubs spill onto the quads, rec centers stay busy, and basketball traditions turn everything Big Blue. Expect school spirit without pretense and a strong service streak. Career prep runs through internships across Lexington's hospitals and businesses, plus an alumni network that returns calls. The city answers with live music and nearby trails. Noted alumni include Ashley Judd and Pat Riley.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
South Limestone, Lexington, Kentucky, 40506, USA
Website
uky.edu
Unit ID
157085

Academic & Institutional

Control
Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation
SACSCOC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (P)
Other Award
Campus Setting
Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral - R1 (Very High Research)
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$13,212
Tuition $11,849 + Fee $1,363
Out-of-State
$33,406
Tuition $32,043 + Fee $1,363
Student Profile
Total Students 32,703
Undergraduate 23,189
Graduate/Other 9,514
Male: 13,132 Female: 19,571
Applications
Total Applicants 28,233
Admitted 26,083
Enrolled 6,437
Acceptance: 92.4% Yield: 24.7%
Staff
Total Staff 12,498
Full-time 10,549
Part-time 1,949
Full-time: 84.4% Part-time: 15.6%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

University of Kentucky (UK) offers 215 degree programs across 29 major academic fields, graduating approximately 9,798 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (29 programs, 1,874 graduates), Business (13 programs, 1,809 graduates), Public Services (3 programs, 1,253 graduates), Engineering (12 programs, 587 graduates) and Education (25 programs, 538 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Health (29 programs, 1,874 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Clinical Social Work 420
Postbac Cert.
51.1503
Registered Nursing 359
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
51.3801
Medicine 196
Doctorate (P)
51.1201
Pharmacy 134
Doctorate (P)
51.2001
Health Administration and Management 109
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
51.0701
Public Health 99
Bachelor's
Master's
51.2201
Substance Abuse Counseling 85
Postbac Cert.
51.1501
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology 81
Bachelor's
Master's
51.0204
Dentistry 65
Doctorate (P)
51.0401
Physical Therapy 59
Doctorate (P)
51.2308
Physician Assistant 52
Master's
51.0912
Dietetics 49
Bachelor's
Master's
51.3101
Nursing Practice 36
Doctorate (P)
51.3818
Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology 28
Bachelor's
51.1005
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling 24
Master's
51.2310
Pharmaceutics and Drug Design 13
Master's
Doctorate (R)
51.2003
Rehabilitation Science 12
Doctorate (R)
51.2314
Athletic Training 9
Postbac Cert.
Master's
51.0913
Dental Clinical Sciences 7
Master's
51.0501
Healthcare Innovation 6
Postbac Cert.
51.0722
Health and Medical Administration 6
Postbac Cert.
51.0799
Health Services Administration 6
Postbac Cert.
51.2211
Health Physics 4
Master's
Doctorate (R)
51.2205
International Public Health 4
Postbac Cert.
51.2210
Music Therapy 4
Master's
51.2305
Clinical and Translational Science 3
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (R)
51.1402
Health and Wellness 2
Postbac Cert.
51.0001
Mental and Social Health Services 1
Bachelor's
51.1599
Nursing Science 1
Doctorate (R)
51.3808
Business (13 programs, 1,809 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Business Administration 548
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
52.0101
Marketing Management 439
Bachelor's
Master's
52.1401
Finance, General 323
Bachelor's
52.0801
Accounting 207
Bachelor's
Master's
52.0301
Sales Skills and Operations 88
Other Award
52.1804
Business Economics 59
Bachelor's
52.0601
Business Administration and Management 53
Bachelor's
Other Award
52.0201
Human Resources Management 27
Postbac Cert.
Master's
52.1001
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods 21
Master's
52.1399
Hospitality Management 18
Bachelor's
52.0901
Nonprofit and Organizational Management 11
Postbac Cert.
52.0206
International Business and Trade 9
Other Award
52.1101
Financial Planning and Services 6
Other Award
52.0804
Public Services (3 programs, 1,253 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Social Work 1,196
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (P)
44.0701
Public Administration 31
Master's
Doctorate (R)
44.0401
Public Policy Analysis 26
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
44.0501
Engineering (12 programs, 587 graduates)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Mechanical Engineering 164
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
14.1901
Civil Engineering 89
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
14.0801
Electrical and Electronics Engineering 69
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
14.1001
Chemical Engineering 63
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
14.0701
Industrial Engineering 40
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
14.3501
Computer Engineering 39
Bachelor's
Master's
14.0901
Biomedical Engineering 37
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
14.0501
Agricultural Engineering 24
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
14.0301
Materials Engineering 23
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
14.1801
Mining and Mineral Engineering 21
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
14.2101
Aerospace Engineering 12
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
14.0201
Manufacturing Engineering 6
Postbac Cert.
Master's
14.3601
Education (25 programs, 538 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching 189
Bachelor's
13.1314
Elementary Education 87
Bachelor's
13.1202
Music Teacher Education 33
Bachelor's
Master's
13.1312
Educational Evaluation and Research 30
Doctorate (R)
13.0601
Secondary Education and Teaching 22
Master's
13.1205
Technical Teacher Education 22
Bachelor's
13.1319
Educational Leadership and Administration 21
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
13.0401
Educational Research and Statistics 15
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.0603
Social Studies Teacher Education 15
Bachelor's
13.1318
Special Education Teaching 13
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.1001
Middle School Education and Teaching 13
Bachelor's
13.1203
Health Education Teacher Preparation 13
Bachelor's
13.1307
Higher Education Teaching 11
Postbac Cert.
13.1214
Early Childhood Education 10
Bachelor's
Master's
13.1210
Instructional Technology 9
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.0501
Higher Education Administration 8
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.0406
STEM Education Methods 6
Bachelor's
Master's
13.1213
Teacher Education and Professional Development in Specific Subject Areas 5
Master's
13.1399
Art Education 4
Bachelor's
13.1302
Multicultural Education 3
Postbac Cert.
13.0202
Curriculum and Instruction 3
Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.0301
Education of Individuals with Vision Impairments 3
Master's
13.1009
Superintendency and Educational Administration 1
Postbac Cert.
13.0411
International and Comparative Education 1
Postbac Cert.
13.0701
Foundations of Education 1
Master's
13.0901
Communication (7 programs, 457 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Speech Communication and Rhetoric 251
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
09.0101
Communication Management and Strategic Communication 126
Bachelor's
09.0909
Journalism 38
Bachelor's
09.0401
Radio and Television Broadcasting 28
Bachelor's
09.0701
Health Communication 11
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
09.0905
Communication and Media Studies 2
Postbac Cert.
09.0199
Public Relations and Advertising 1
Postbac Cert.
09.0999
Biological Sciences (15 programs, 396 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Biology and Biological Sciences 184
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.0101
Neuroscience 91
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
26.1501
Biotechnology 33
Bachelor's
26.1201
Biomedical Sciences 24
Master's
26.0102
Entomology 14
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.0702
Toxicology 10
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.1004
Biochemistry 9
Doctorate (R)
26.0202
Biostatistics 8
Postbac Cert.
Master's
26.1102
Plant Pathology 5
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.0305
Microbiology and Immunology 5
Doctorate (R)
26.0508
Epidemiology and Biostatistics 4
Doctorate (R)
26.1311
General Physiology 3
Doctorate (R)
26.0901
Molecular Pharmacology 3
Doctorate (R)
26.1002
Physiology and Pathology Sciences 2
Postbac Cert.
26.0999
Anatomy 1
Postbac Cert.
26.0403
Psychology (8 programs, 365 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Psychology 292
Bachelor's
42.0101
Educational Psychology 16
Master's
Doctorate (R)
42.2806
Counseling Psychology 12
Master's
Doctorate (R)
42.2803
Clinical Psychology 11
Master's
Doctorate (R)
42.2801
Experimental Psychology 10
Master's
Doctorate (R)
42.2704
Performance and Sport Psychology 10
Master's
42.2815
School Psychology 8
Master's
Doctorate (R)
42.2805
Applied Behavior Analysis 6
Postbac Cert.
Master's
42.2814
Agriculture (12 programs, 304 graduates)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Fermentation Science 63
Other Award
01.1005
Animal Sciences 51
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
01.0901
Equine Science and Management 50
Bachelor's
01.0307
Agricultural Economics 42
Bachelor's
Master's
01.0103
Agricultural Public Services 31
Bachelor's
01.0899
Agricultural and Veterinary Science 19
Bachelor's
01.9999
Plant Sciences 12
Master's
Doctorate (R)
01.1199
Horticultural Science 11
Bachelor's
01.1103
Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture 9
Bachelor's
01.0308
Agricultural Education and Extension Services 7
Master's
01.0801
Veterinary Pathology 6
Master's
Doctorate (R)
01.8108
Food Science 3
Bachelor's
01.1001
Arts (18 programs, 290 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Digital Arts 54
Bachelor's
50.0102
Interior Design 36
Bachelor's
50.0408
Arts and Media Management 35
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
50.1001
Music Performance 34
Bachelor's
Master's
50.0903
Theatre Arts 25
Bachelor's
50.0501
Music 24
Master's
Doctorate (R)
50.0901
Studio Arts, General 22
Bachelor's
Master's
50.0702
Fine and Studio Arts Management 10
Postbac Cert.
Master's
50.1002
Art History and Conservation 9
Bachelor's
50.0703
Music History, Literature, and Theory 9
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
50.0902
Film and Media Studies 8
Other Award
50.0601
Industrial and Product Design 7
Bachelor's
50.0404
Dance 6
Bachelor's
50.0301
Cinematography and Film Production 3
Other Award
50.0602
Brass Instruments 3
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
50.0914
Acting 2
Other Award
50.0506
Music Pedagogy 2
Postbac Cert.
50.0912
Voice and Opera Performance 1
Postbac Cert.
50.0908

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at University of Kentucky (UK).

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Rank
Neither required nor recommended
Secondary School Record
Required
College Preparatory Program
Required
Recommendations
Neither required nor recommended
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required
Personal Statement or Essay
Required
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
1080 - 1290
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 550 - 640
Median: 590
Math 530 - 650
Median: 580
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).
Composite Score Range
21 - 28
25th-75th percentile
English 21 - 29
Median: 24
Math 20 - 27
Median: 24

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$35,098
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$55,292
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$13,212
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$33,406
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$15,242
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$5,444
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$8,600
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$14,330
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$35,459
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

26%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$13,024
Avg. Loan
$9,542
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,264
Additional
Students with Any Grant
5,713
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
2,528
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
1,433
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$10,164
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

70%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
87%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$38,233 – $86,281
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$38,233 (25th %) $86,281 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $59,025
Median Salary After 6 Years
$47,266
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$59,025
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
63.3%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
74.8%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$22,500
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 52.1%
Middle 63.3%
High 71.3%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 65.7%
Independent 50.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about University of Kentucky (UK)

How much does it cost to attend University of Kentucky (UK)?

The annual tuition at University of Kentucky (UK) is $13,212 for in-state students and $33,406 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $35,098 for in-state students and $55,292 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $15,242 and books and supplies $1,200.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does University of Kentucky offer?

University of Kentucky (UK) offers 215 academic programs across 29 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional), Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (29 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (13 programs)
  • Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services (3 programs)
  • Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions (12 programs)
  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (25 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for University of Kentucky?

University of Kentucky (UK) has an 92.4% acceptance rate and a 24.7% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 28,233
  • Students admitted: 26,083
  • Students enrolled: 6,437

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at University of Kentucky?

University of Kentucky (UK) provides financial aid to 26% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $13,024 and average loans of $9,542.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,201
  • State/Local grants: $3,574
  • Institutional grants: $10,164
  • Federal loans: $5,264

The university supports 5,713 students with grants and 2,528 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for University of Kentucky graduates?

University of Kentucky (UK) graduates earn a median salary of $47,266 after 6 years and $59,025 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $38,233 (25th percentile) to $86,281 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $86,400 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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