University of Kentucky vs University of Louisville: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Kentucky and University of Louisville, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Kentucky vs University of Louisville at a glance
University of Kentucky admits 92.9% of applicants and University of Louisville 79.4% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $18,868 at University of Kentucky and $14,960 at University of Louisville. Six-year graduation rates are 71.7% and 60.1%, 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 Louisville 79.4%, so University of Louisville is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $18,868 a year at University of Kentucky and $14,960 at University of Louisville; University of Louisville costs $3,908 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $12,528 at University of Kentucky and $12,104 at University of Louisville.
- 71.7% of students graduate within six years at University of Kentucky, against 60.1% at University of Louisville.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $63,924 for University of Kentucky and $60,032 for University of Louisville; University of Kentucky is $3,892 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at University of Kentucky and $19,500 at University of Louisville.
- University of Kentucky enrolls 24,763 students (large city) and University of Louisville 14,727 (large city).
Side by side
University of Kentucky and University of Louisville 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 Louisville |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 92.9% | 79.4% |
| Applicants | 21,695 | 15,455 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1070–1290 | 1040–1270 |
| ACT middle 50% | 21–28 | 19–27 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $18,868 | $14,960 |
| Tuition, in state | $13,907 | $13,390 |
| Tuition, out of state | $35,164 | $29,736 |
| Cost of attendance | $35,083 | $30,975 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $12,528 | $12,104 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $12,460 | $11,100 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $14,192 | $12,680 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $20,327 | $16,542 |
| Over $110,000 | $27,661 | $23,040 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 71.7% | 60.1% |
| First-year retention | 86.8% | 81.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $63,924 | $60,032 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 24,763 | 14,727 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Lexington, KY | Louisville, KY |
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 Louisville 53; 40 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Kentucky vs University of Louisville
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Kentucky or University of Louisville?
University of Louisville is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Kentucky admits 92.9% of applicants and University of Louisville admits 79.4%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Kentucky 1070–1290; University of Louisville 1040–1270.
Which is cheaper, University of Kentucky or University of Louisville?
University of Louisville has the lower average net price after grants: $18,868 a year at University of Kentucky against $14,960 at University of Louisville. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $12,528 and $12,104. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Kentucky or University of Louisville graduates earn more?
University of Kentucky graduates earn more at the median: $63,924 ten years after entry for University of Kentucky and $60,032 for University of Louisville. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Kentucky or University of Louisville?
University of Kentucky does: 71.7% of University of Kentucky students graduate within six years, against 60.1% at University of Louisville.
How big are University of Kentucky and University of Louisville?
University of Kentucky has 24,763 students in Lexington, KY and University of Louisville has 14,727 students in Louisville, KY.