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University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · 24,763 students

The campus is undergoing a $7.6 billion infrastructure investment, including new research and healthcare facilities.

Acceptance rate

92.9%

SAT (mid 50%)

1070–1290

Avg net price

$18,851

after aid

Testing

Optional

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the University of Kentucky admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

University of Kentucky admitted 92.9% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That means most students who apply get in. Your job is to meet the requirements and apply on time.

Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1070–1290 on the SAT and 21–28 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.

The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what University of Kentucky actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Comprehensive Academic Offerings

Wildcats learn, collaborate, and shape the future in modern academic spaces.

The university offers over 200 academic programs across 16 degree-granting colleges.

  • 16 Degree-granting CollegesAgriculture, Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Med
  • 200+ Academic ProgramsBachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Graduate Certificates, Undergraduate Certificate
  • Diverse Areas of InterestAgriculture and Environmental Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Business, Engineeri

Verified from uky.edu and uky.edu and admission.uky.edu and international.uky.edu and gradschool.uky.edu and academics.uky.edu and uky.edu.

Applying

Here’s what to send, and when.

  • TestingOptional

Verified from https://www.uky.edu.

The essays

Here are the supplemental essay prompts.

The current prompts, straight from the application. They change year to year. Most guides you’ll find are a cycle behind.

  • Kentucky is one of four states that is a Commonwealth. The term means the state is for the common good. What do you consider to be for 'the common good' and how do you hope to use your life experiences, challenges, uniqueness, and intellect to contribute to the common good in your community, as you define it?

    Up to 500 words

  • Kentucky is one of four states that is a Commonwealth. The term means the state is for the common good. What do you consider to be for "the common good" and how do you hope to use your life experiences, challenges, uniqueness, and intellect to contribute to the common good in your community, as you define it?

    Up to 500 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from https://www.uky.edu.

Cost and aid

What will you actually pay?

The sticker price is about $34,391. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $18,851.

The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides assistance to students who may be unable to attend the University without such aid.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $59,025.

Verified from https://www.uky.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Academics

These are the most popular majors.

  • Business/Commerce, General7% of degrees
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing7% of degrees
  • Marketing7% of degrees
  • Finance and Financial Management Services6% of degrees
  • Psychology, General5% of degrees
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas5% of degrees

Campus life

Here’s the feel of the place.

“Catch a horse race at Keeneland, then grab a bite from a food truck downtown, a Tuesday here.”

Just minutes from campus, downtown Lexington offers a vibrant Farmer's Market and Thursday Night Live, while nearby horse farms and Keeneland racetrack provide a taste of Kentucky tradition.

Vibrant CityHorse CountryCampus Investment

Quick answers

What do people ask about University of Kentucky?

Is University of Kentucky test-optional?
For the current cycle, standardized testing at University of Kentucky is optional.
How hard is it to get into University of Kentucky?
Very hard. University of Kentucky admits 92.9% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070 to 1290 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
How much does University of Kentucky cost?
The list price is about $34,391. After aid, families pay $18,851 on average.
Is University of Kentucky worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $59,025 ten years after enrolling. 71% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about University of Kentucky.

Spike answers from University of Kentucky’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.