University of Kentucky vs University of Iowa: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Kentucky and University of Iowa, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Kentucky vs University of Iowa at a glance
University of Kentucky admits 92.9% of applicants and University of Iowa 83.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $18,868 at University of Kentucky and $22,508 at University of Iowa. Six-year graduation rates are 71.7% and 75.8%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Kentucky admits 92.9% of applicants and University of Iowa 83.6%, so University of Iowa is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $18,868 a year at University of Kentucky and $22,508 at University of Iowa; University of Kentucky costs $3,640 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $12,528 at University of Kentucky and $15,353 at University of Iowa.
- 71.7% of students graduate within six years at University of Kentucky, against 75.8% at University of Iowa.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $63,924 for University of Kentucky and $70,727 for University of Iowa; University of Iowa is $6,803 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at University of Kentucky and $21,262 at University of Iowa.
- University of Kentucky enrolls 24,763 students (large city) and University of Iowa 22,264 (small city).
Side by side
University of Kentucky and University of Iowa in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | University of Kentucky | University of Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 92.9% | 83.6% |
| Applicants | 21,695 | 22,434 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1070–1290 | 1130–1330 |
| ACT middle 50% | 21–28 | 21–28 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $18,868 | $22,508 |
| Tuition, in state | $13,907 | $11,622 |
| Tuition, out of state | $35,164 | $33,710 |
| Cost of attendance | $35,083 | $29,219 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $12,528 | $15,353 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $12,460 | $15,374 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $14,192 | $17,179 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $20,327 | $22,278 |
| Over $110,000 | $27,661 | $26,721 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 71.7% | 75.8% |
| First-year retention | 86.8% | 90.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $63,924 | $70,727 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $21,262 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $242 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 24,763 | 22,264 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Small |
| Location | Lexington, KY | Iowa City, IA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
University of Kentucky reports 94 bachelor's programs and University of Iowa 78; 53 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business/Commerce, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Accounting and Related Services
- Biology, General
Questions about University of Kentucky vs University of Iowa
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Kentucky or University of Iowa?
University of Iowa is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Kentucky admits 92.9% of applicants and University of Iowa admits 83.6%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Kentucky 1070–1290; University of Iowa 1130–1330.
Which is cheaper, University of Kentucky or University of Iowa?
University of Kentucky has the lower average net price after grants: $18,868 a year at University of Kentucky against $22,508 at University of Iowa. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $12,528 and $15,353. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Kentucky or University of Iowa graduates earn more?
University of Iowa graduates earn more at the median: $63,924 ten years after entry for University of Kentucky and $70,727 for University of Iowa. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $21,262.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Kentucky or University of Iowa?
University of Iowa does: 71.7% of University of Kentucky students graduate within six years, against 75.8% at University of Iowa.
How big are University of Kentucky and University of Iowa?
University of Kentucky has 24,763 students in Lexington, KY and University of Iowa has 22,264 students in Iowa City, IA.