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University of Kentucky and University of Louisville are both public institutions — University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY and University of Louisville in Louisville, KY. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Lexington, KY · Public
Acceptance rate: 92.9%
Undergrad enrollment: 24,763
Tuition: $34,140/year
Student-faculty ratio: 18.0:1
Graduation rate: 71.4%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Engineering
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Lexington, KY with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
Louisville, KY · Public
Acceptance rate: 79.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 14,727
Tuition: $29,482/year
Student-faculty ratio: 14.0:1
Graduation rate: 61.2%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Education
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Louisville, KY with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
| Factor | University of Kentucky | University of Louisville |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 92.9% | 79.4% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1070–1290 |
| 1040–1270 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 21–28 | 19–27 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 24,763 | 14,727 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $34,140/year | $29,482/year |
| Average net price after aid | $18,851 | $17,988 |
| Graduation rate | 71.4% | 61.2% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $59,025 | $53,899 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 18.0:1 | 14.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Lexington, KY | Louisville, KY |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Health professions, Engineering | Business and marketing, Health professions, Education |
University of Louisville is more selective (79.4% vs 92.9% acceptance rate). University of Louisville has a lower average net price after grant aid ($17,988 vs $18,851). University of Kentucky reports the higher graduation rate (71.4% vs 61.2%). University of Kentucky is the larger undergraduate campus (24,763 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between University of Kentucky and University of Louisville
University of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 92.9%; University of Louisville is around 79.4%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of Kentucky tuition is $34,140/year. University of Louisville is $29,482/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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