When deciding where to pursue a higher education, many factors come into play. Two popular schools in Kentucky are the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. In this comparison, we will analyze various aspects of each school, such as costs, admissions, academics, and outcomes, to help you make an informed decision about which institution is the best fit for you.
University of Kentucky Overview
The University of Kentucky (UK), located in Lexington, Kentucky, is a public research university founded in 1865. As the largest university in the state, UK offers a wide range of degree programs and student activities. With over 30,000 students, UK has a strong focus on research, diversity, and academic excellence.
University of Kentucky Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for in-state students at the University of Kentucky is approximately $30,101 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $49,901 annually. The university offers financial aid and scholarships to help offset these costs for qualifying students.
University of Kentucky Admissions
Admission to the University of Kentucky is considered moderately competitive. The acceptance rate is around 94%, with an average high school GPA of 3.51 among admitted students. Test scores, such as ACT and SAT, are considered but are not required for admission.
University of Kentucky Degrees Offered
The University of Kentucky offers over 200 academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. Popular majors at UK include Nursing, Business, and Engineering.
University of Kentucky Academics
UK is known for its strong focus on research, with numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in research projects. The university also provides various academic support services, such as tutoring and academic advising, to help students succeed.
University of Kentucky Diversity
The University of Kentucky is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. Their diverse student population consists of individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and countries.
University of Kentucky Students
With a total enrollment of over 30,000 students, the University of Kentucky has a vibrant campus life, offering various clubs, organizations, and recreational activities for students to participate in and enjoy. The university also provides a range of housing options, including on-campus residence halls and off-campus apartments.
University of Kentucky Campus
The University of Kentucky’s campus spans over 800 acres and features modern facilities, green spaces, and historic buildings. Students have access to state-of-the-art classrooms, libraries, and recreational facilities, as well as numerous dining options and on-campus transportation.
University of Kentucky Alumni
Notable alumni from the University of Kentucky include actress Ashley Judd, Senator Mitch McConnell, and NBA player Anthony Davis.
University of Kentucky Rankings
According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the University of Kentucky is ranked #133 in National Universities and #61 in Top Public Schools.
University of Kentucky Outcomes
The four-year graduation rate at the University of Kentucky is approximately 45%, and the six-year graduation rate is roughly 67%. The average starting salary of UK graduates is around $41,000.
University of Louisville Overview
The University of Louisville (UofL), located in Louisville, Kentucky, is a public research university founded in 1798. With over 22,000 students, UofL offers a diverse range of academic programs and a strong commitment to research, community engagement, and student success.
University of Louisville Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for in-state students at the University of Louisville is approximately $27,278 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $42,498 annually. The university offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students cover these costs.
University of Louisville Admissions
Admission to the University of Louisville is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 72%. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.74, and standardized test scores, such as the ACT and SAT, are considered in the admissions process.
University of Louisville Degrees Offered
The University of Louisville offers over 200 degree programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, across 12 schools and colleges. Popular majors at UofL include Business, Nursing, and Engineering.
University of Louisville Academics
UofL is known for its strong focus on research, with opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in cutting-edge research projects. The university also offers various academic support services to help students succeed, such as tutoring and advising.
University of Louisville Diversity
The University of Louisville is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Their diverse student body consists of individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and countries.
University of Louisville Students
With over 22,000 students, the University of Louisville offers a vibrant campus life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and recreational activities for students to participate in. Housing options include on-campus residence halls and off-campus apartments.
University of Louisville Campus
UofL’s campus covers over 600 acres, featuring historic buildings, modern facilities, and green spaces. Students have access to state-of-the-art classrooms, libraries, and recreational facilities, as well as various dining options and on-campus transportation.
University of Louisville Alumni
Notable alumni from the University of Louisville include journalist Diane Sawyer, NFL player Johnny Unitas, and actor Tom Cruise.
University of Louisville Rankings
According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the University of Louisville is ranked #176 in National Universities and #87 in Top Public Schools.
University of Louisville Outcomes
The four-year graduation rate at the University of Louisville is approximately 34%, and the six-year graduation rate is about 58%. The average starting salary of UofL graduates is around $40,000.
University of Kentucky vs University of Louisville Cost Comparison
Both the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville have similar costs for in-state students, with UK’s estimated annual cost at $30,101 and UofL’s at $27,278. However, for out-of-state students, the University of Kentucky is slightly more expensive, with an estimated annual cost of $49,901, compared to $42,498 at the University of Louisville.
University of Kentucky vs University of Louisville Admissions Difficulty
The University of Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (94%) compared to the University of Louisville (72%), indicating that it may be easier to gain admission to UK. However, the average high school GPA of admitted students is slightly higher at UofL (3.74) than at UK (3.51).
University of Kentucky vs University of Louisville Academic Difficulty
Both universities have a strong focus on research and academic excellence, offering a wide range of degree programs and academic support services. While there may be some differences in specific programs or courses, the overall academic difficulty at both institutions is likely to be comparable.
University of Kentucky vs University of Louisville Outcome Comparison
The University of Kentucky has a slightly higher four-year graduation rate (45%) and six-year graduation rate (67%) than the University of Louisville (34% and 58%, respectively). However, the average starting salaries for graduates from both institutions are quite similar, with UK graduates earning approximately $41,000 and UofL graduates earning around $40,000.
