University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0032
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — major research university
University of Kentucky is a public institution in Lexington with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1213, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 23.2K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
70% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $59,025 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $17,218.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •As the first university in the territory that would become Kentucky, Transylvania University was the primary center for education.
- •It received federal support through the Morrill Land-Grant Act in 1865.
- •In 1866 it opened with 190 students and 10 professors, on the campus at Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate.
- •In 1869 James Kennedy Patterson replaced Bowman and the first degree was awarded.
- •In 1876, the university began to offer master's degree programs.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1213
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
65.0%
Median Debt at Grad
$16,750
Programs (331)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
87%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
176
Peer Average
240
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from KY state average + large city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Days out near Lexington
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Lexington, from real bookable tour times.
- Bellarmine University · Simmons College of KentuckyUnder $25k a year12 days
- Northern Kentucky University · Thomas More UniversityUnder $25k a year2 days