Kentucky vs. ASU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY with Appalachian State University in Boone, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kentucky is larger than ASU based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 21,570 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); Appalachian State University is in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; Appalachian State University 16:1.

Kentucky vs. ASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky or ASU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Appalachian State University than Kentucky ($14,978 vs. $21,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Appalachian State University are 19.7% lower than at University of Kentucky ($12,868 vs. $16,016).
• University of Kentucky is 78.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $5,923 more per year; $13,502.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.4% higher at Kentucky than at Appalachian State University (about $8,928 more per year; $34,140.00 vs. $25,212.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Kentucky than at Appalachian State University (95% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kentucky students is 60.9% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($12,898 vs. $8,014).

Kentucky vs. ASU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kentucky or ASU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between ASU and Kentucky.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Appalachian State University (1200) is 20 points higher than at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming Kentucky students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at ASU (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; Appalachian State University 1120/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; Appalachian State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; ASU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027; ASU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than ASU (90.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 18.2% at ASU.

Kentucky vs. ASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky and ASU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Appalachian State University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $9,400 more per year than ASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Kentucky graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,750).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kentucky graduates ($211 vs. $235).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kentucky students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 62%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.