University of Kentucky vs Ole Miss: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Kentucky and University of Mississippi Ole Miss, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Kentucky vs Ole Miss at a glance
University of Kentucky admits 92.9% of applicants and Ole Miss 96.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $18,868 at University of Kentucky and $13,752 at Ole Miss. Six-year graduation rates are 71.7% and 70.3%, 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 Ole Miss 96.6%, so University of Kentucky is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $18,868 a year at University of Kentucky and $13,752 at Ole Miss; Ole Miss costs $5,116 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $12,528 at University of Kentucky and $10,536 at Ole Miss.
- 71.7% of students graduate within six years at University of Kentucky, against 70.3% at Ole Miss.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $63,924 for University of Kentucky and $59,112 for Ole Miss; University of Kentucky is $4,812 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at University of Kentucky and $18,750 at Ole Miss.
- University of Kentucky enrolls 24,763 students (large city) and Ole Miss 21,473 (remote town).
Side by side
University of Kentucky and Ole Miss 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 | Ole Miss |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 92.9% | 96.6% |
| Applicants | 21,695 | 19,531 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1070–1290 | 1000–1200 |
| ACT middle 50% | 21–28 | 21–29 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $18,868 | $13,752 |
| Tuition, in state | $13,907 | $10,150 |
| Tuition, out of state | $35,164 | $30,310 |
| Cost of attendance | $35,083 | $29,845 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $12,528 | $10,536 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $12,460 | $10,185 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $14,192 | $13,815 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $20,327 | $17,443 |
| Over $110,000 | $27,661 | $22,290 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 71.7% | 70.3% |
| First-year retention | 86.8% | 87.2% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $63,924 | $59,112 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $18,750 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $213 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 24,763 | 21,473 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | Town: Remote |
| Location | Lexington, KY | University, MS |
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 Ole Miss 76; 53 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Business/Commerce, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Marketing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Psychology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Questions about University of Kentucky vs Ole Miss
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Kentucky or Ole Miss?
University of Kentucky is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Kentucky admits 92.9% of applicants and Ole Miss admits 96.6%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Kentucky 1070–1290; Ole Miss 1000–1200.
Which is cheaper, University of Kentucky or Ole Miss?
Ole Miss has the lower average net price after grants: $18,868 a year at University of Kentucky against $13,752 at Ole Miss. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $12,528 and $10,536. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Kentucky or Ole Miss graduates earn more?
University of Kentucky graduates earn more at the median: $63,924 ten years after entry for University of Kentucky and $59,112 for Ole Miss. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $18,750.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Kentucky or Ole Miss?
University of Kentucky does: 71.7% of University of Kentucky students graduate within six years, against 70.3% at Ole Miss.
How big are University of Kentucky and Ole Miss?
University of Kentucky has 24,763 students in Lexington, KY and Ole Miss has 21,473 students in University, MS.