Kentucky vs. SAU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY with Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kentucky is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); Spring Arbor University is in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; Spring Arbor University 12:1.

Kentucky vs. SAU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky or SAU? 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 Spring Arbor University than Kentucky ($21,067 vs. $21,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 28.6% lower than at University of Kentucky ($11,440 vs. $16,016).
• Spring Arbor University is 151.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $20,512 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.4% higher at Kentucky than at Spring Arbor University (about $126 more per year; $34,140.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University than at University of Kentucky (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spring Arbor University students is 85.1% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($23,877 vs. $12,898).

Kentucky vs. SAU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kentucky or SAU? 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 SAU and Kentucky.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kentucky (1180) is 50 points higher than at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; Spring Arbor University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; SAU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 16.5% at SAU.

Kentucky vs. SAU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky and SAU? 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).

• University of Kentucky's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $8,400 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $1,293 lower median loan debt than SAU graduates ($22,750 vs. $24,043).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SAU graduates ($235 vs. $248).
• More Kentucky graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 58%)

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.