Kentucky vs. UofSC

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY with University of South Carolina Columbia in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Carolina Columbia is larger than Kentucky based on total student enrollment (38,532 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 South Carolina Columbia is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; University of South Carolina Columbia 19:1.

Kentucky vs. UofSC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky or UofSC? 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 UofSC ($21,958 vs. $24,488).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Columbia are 15.5% lower than at University of Kentucky ($13,534 vs. $16,016).
• University of Kentucky is 6.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than UofSC (about $814 more per year; $13,502.00 vs. $12,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.4% higher at UofSC than at University of Kentucky (about $1,832 more per year; $35,972.00 vs. $34,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Kentucky than at University of South Carolina Columbia (95% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kentucky students is 80.7% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($12,898 vs. $7,139).

Kentucky vs. UofSC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Columbia (1270) is 90 points higher than at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming UofSC students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 24 at Kentucky).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; University of South Carolina Columbia 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; UofSC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027; UofSC Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UofSC 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 UofSC (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 22.9% at UofSC.

Kentucky vs. UofSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky and UofSC? 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 South Carolina Columbia's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Columbia earn a median of about $700 more per year than Kentucky graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,700 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than UofSC graduates ($22,750 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UofSC graduates ($235 vs. $240).
• More UofSC 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.