Kentucky vs. UC

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY with University of Cincinnati Main Campus in Cincinnati, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Cincinnati Main Campus is larger than Kentucky based on total student enrollment (45,026 students vs. 34,709 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); University of Cincinnati Main Campus is in Cincinnati, OH (Large City setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; University of Cincinnati Main Campus 19:1.

Kentucky vs. UC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky or UC? 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 University of Kentucky than UC ($21,958 vs. $24,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Cincinnati Main Campus are 15.3% lower than at University of Kentucky ($13,564 vs. $16,016).
• University of Cincinnati Main Campus is 3.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $474 more per year; $13,976.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.5% higher at Kentucky than at University of Cincinnati Main Campus (about $4,830 more per year; $34,140.00 vs. $29,310.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Kentucky than at University of Cincinnati Main Campus (95% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kentucky students is 57.4% larger than aid received by University of Cincinnati Main Campus students ($12,898 vs. $8,196).

Kentucky vs. UC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Cincinnati Main Campus (1270) is 90 points higher than at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming UC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Kentucky).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; University of Cincinnati Main Campus 1160/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; University of Cincinnati Main Campus 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; UC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027; UC Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UC students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than UC (85.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 22.5% at UC.

Kentucky vs. UC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky and UC? 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 graduation rate at Kentucky is the same as at University of Cincinnati Main Campus (59% vs. 59%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than UC graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $45,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than UC graduates ($22,750 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UC graduates ($235 vs. $237).
• More Kentucky graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UC students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 57%)

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.