University of Kentucky campus
University of Kentucky logo

University of Kentucky

Type 4 year, Public
Campus locale City: Large
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Semester
Student body size Large
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 7,294
Student to faculty ratio 16 to 1
Acceptance rate 94%
Students retention rate 86%
On-time graduation rate 68%

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, U of K is a public, institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

The acceptance rate of 94% indicates that U of K is open to a wide range of applicants, providing opportunities for a diverse student body.

University of Kentucky is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

U of K boasts an impressive student retention rate of 86% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 74% and 72%, respectively.


  • The institution has on-campus hospital
  • Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

94%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$12,610

Cost of attendance at University of Kentucky in 2022 for students from Kentucky.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Kentucky's average $10,481
National average $8,573

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$31,608

Cost of attendance at University of Kentucky in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Kentucky's average $21,663
National average $18,862

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 92 of freshman students at University of Kentucky received on average $11,623 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$11,623
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 1,043 22% $4,762 $4,966,440
Other Federal Grant 2,000 42% $3,455 $6,910,588
State Grant/Scholarships 2,876 60% $2,708 $7,789,060
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 3,648 76% $10,050 $36,662,705
Total Grant & Scholarships 4,419 92% $11,623 $51,362,353

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of University of Kentucky students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of University of Kentucky students is 68.2%. Female students graduated at a rate of 71.6%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 63.4%.

68.2%

  • asian 79.2% 95 students
  • African American 53.0% 220 students
  • white 70.1% 2,734 students
  • unknown 70.8% 80 students
  • hispanic 64.0% 169 students
  • International Students 66.7% 64 students
  • Mixed Race 62.3% 149 students

Sport Conferences

  • Football Southeastern Conference
  • Baseball Southeastern Conference
  • Basketball Southeastern Conference
  • Track and Cross Country Southeastern Conference

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

University of Kentucky provides the following additional services to its students
  • On-campus day care for students' children
  • Remedial services
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

University of Kentucky offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Weekend/evening classes
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Army
  • ROTC - Air Force

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Credit for military training
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)