Head-to-head · 2026
Kentucky State University vs University of Kentucky
Compare average net price ($8,040 at Kentucky State University; $18,851 at University of Kentucky), ROI score (11.31 vs 7.83), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($36,382 vs $59,025), and admissions selectivity (96.1% acceptance at Kentucky State University; 92.9% at University of Kentucky) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Kentucky State University | University of Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 11.31 ✓ | 7.83 |
| Avg net price | $8,040 ✓ | $18,851 |
| 4-year avg net price | $32,160 ✓ | $75,404 |
| In-state tuition | $9,387 | $13,502 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $13,658 | $34,140 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $36,382 | $59,025 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 96.1% | 92.9% |
| Graduation rate | 31.9% | 71.4% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 63.7% | 86.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $25,938 | $22,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,309 | 24,763 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 870 | 1215 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Kentucky State University | University of Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $10,225 ✓ | $12,182 |
| Family income $30–48k | $6,739 ✓ | $12,119 |
| Family income $48–75k | $5,256 ✓ | $16,313 |
| Family income $75–110k | $1,958 ✓ | $21,192 |
| Family income $110k+ | — | $26,781 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Kentucky State University | University of Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 15.9% | 0.3% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 12.4% | 0.6% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 7.5% | 4.1% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 6.6% | 2.9% |
| Psychology, General | 6.2% | 3.2% |
| Social Work | 2.2% | 7% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 5.8% | 1.4% |
| Journalism | 5.8% | 0.6% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Kentucky State University reports the lower average net price by $10,811 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $43,244 difference over four years ($32,160 vs $75,404).
University of Kentucky reports $22,643 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($59,025 vs $36,382). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 63.7% at Kentucky State University and 86.8% at University of Kentucky. Median federal debt among completers is $25,938 vs $22,500, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Kentucky State University vs University of Kentucky, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Kentucky State University is cheaper — average net price $8,040 per year vs $18,851 at University of Kentucky. The annual difference of $10,811 adds up to about $43,244 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Kentucky reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $59,025 vs $36,382 at Kentucky State University. The gap in the federal data is $22,643. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Kentucky is more selective at 92.9% acceptance vs 96.1% at Kentucky State University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.