Kentucky vs. Tennessee

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY with The University of Tennessee Knoxville in Knoxville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Tennessee Knoxville is larger than Kentucky based on total student enrollment (38,728 students vs. 34,709 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); The University of Tennessee Knoxville is in Knoxville, TN (Midsize City setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Tennessee Knoxville is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 18:1.

Kentucky vs. Tennessee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky or Tennessee? 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 The University of Tennessee Knoxville than Kentucky ($21,648 vs. $21,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Tennessee Knoxville are 16.6% lower than at University of Kentucky ($13,356 vs. $16,016).
• The University of Tennessee Knoxville is 2.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $310 more per year; $13,812.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.7% higher at Kentucky than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (about $884 more per year; $34,140.00 vs. $33,256.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Kentucky than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kentucky students is 12.8% larger than aid received by The University of Tennessee Knoxville students ($12,898 vs. $11,434).

Kentucky vs. Tennessee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (1290) is 110 points higher than at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming Tennessee students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at Kentucky).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 1200/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Tennessee - Required to be considered for admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Tennessee (41.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 27.4% at Tennessee.

Kentucky vs. Tennessee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky and Tennessee? 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).

• The University of Tennessee Knoxville's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from The University of Tennessee Knoxville earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Kentucky graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,300 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Tennessee Knoxville graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Kentucky graduates ($20,000 vs. $22,750).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kentucky graduates ($206 vs. $235).
• More Tennessee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kentucky students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.