About

University Type

Public

University Type

US News National rank

159

US News National rank

Average Living Expenses

$55,614

Average Living Expenses

The University of Kentucky (UKY) is a public research university in Lexington, Kentucky. Founded in 1865 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky, UKY is one of the state's two land-grant universities and has the largest enrollment, with 30,000+ students.

What is the acceptance rate at the University of Kentucky?

The University of Kentucky's acceptance rate is 94.9%, which is quite high, making it easier to get in.

The UKY is a comprehensive university, offering more than 200 academic programs through 16 colleges and schools. The University of Kentucky ranking in the 2024 QS World University Rankings is #681. It is among the top public research universities in the country, and its faculty and students are engaged in groundbreaking research in many fields, including medicine, engineering, agriculture, and the arts.

The University of Kentucky is also known for its strong athletic programs. The university's men's basketball team is one of the most successful in the country, having won eight national championships. The UKY also has strong football, baseball, and women's basketball programs.

In addition to its academic and athletic excellence, the University of Kentucky is also a vibrant and diverse community. The university's campus is home to students from all over the world, offering various student organizations and activities to get involved in.

Top Reasons to Study in the University of Kentucky

Several reasons add to the popularity of international students' demand to study at the University of Kentucky. Here are some of the top reasons:

  • Comprehensive academic programs: The University of Kentucky offers many academic programs, from traditional liberal arts majors to professional degrees in fields such as medicine, law, and engineering.
  • Affordability: The University of Kentucky is committed to making education affordable for all students, offering various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. UKY is also one of the most affordable public universities in the Southeastern Conference.
  • Vibrant campus life: The University of Kentucky has a thriving campus community, with 30,000+ students from all over the world. There are over 600 student organizations to choose from, so there is something for everyone. The UKY is also home to various athletic and cultural events throughout the year.
  • Opportunities for success: The University of Kentucky graduates are highly sought-after by employers. The UKY also has a strong alumni network that can help students connect with potential employers.
  • Location: The University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, Kentucky, a vibrant city with a lot to offer students. Lexington is home to various businesses, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It is also located in the heart of the Bluegrass region, known for its beautiful scenery and horse farms.

These reasons are just a glimpse of what you will get to learn and explore at the University of Kentucky. To know more, click here.

Courses

Cost of Studying at University of Kentucky

Average tuition fee

Moderate

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5000+ Students

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3000+ Cr

Loan amount approved

100% Free

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Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$57,160

Average living expenses (Masters)

$55,614

Admissions at The University of Kentucky

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

95%

Application Fee

$60 - $145

How to Apply at University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky admissions are offered in 150+ graduate programs and 80+ undergraduate disciplines. Some of the top programs at UKYY include business administration, management, finance, engineering, and computer science. International students must follow the steps enlisted below to smoothen the application process:

Be an early bird: The University of Kentucky admissions deadlines vary program-wise, and missing them can severely affect your chances of getting in. Hence, thoroughly check the deadlines before applying.

APPLICATION TYPE

DEADLINE

Early action deadline

December 1

Regular decision deadline

February 15

Confirmation deadline

May 1

Review the admission requirements for international students: The eligibility criteria for international students vary slightly from domestic students, in terms of GPA, English proficiency, and standardized scores.

Submit your application online: Applicants can apply through the Common Application, or the UKYY Portal itself.

Submit all required supporting documents, including:

  • Official transcripts from all high schools and universities attended.
  • English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS).
  • Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT).
  • A financial statement.
  • Letters of recommendation from teachers and/or guidance counselors.
  • A personal statement.
  • Additional documents like a copy of your passport and financial statements.

Pay the application fee: The application fee for international students is $60 (INR 4,971) for undergraduate programs and $75 (INR 6,245) for graduate programs.

Documents Required to Apply to University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky acceptance rate is comparatively very high, at 94%. This makes it less competitive to get in. However, international students must keep the following documents handy before applying to UKYY:

UNDERGRADUATE

DOCUMENT

DESCRIPTION

High School Transcripts

Official transcripts, translated into English.

GPA 

3.0 (85%)

Letters of Recommendation.

From academic counselors or others.

Statement of Purpose

Talk about your extracurriculars and how you are competent to study at Kentucky.

Standardized Scores

SAT, ACT, IELTS, TOEFL, DUOLINGO, PTE Scores.

Application Fee

Non-refundable application fee of $60 (INR 4,971).

POSTGRADUATE

DOCUMENT

DESCRIPTION

Bachelor’s Degree (US Equivalent)

Official transcripts, translated into English.

GPA 

2.75 (83 - 86%)

Letters of Recommendation

From academic counselors or others.

Statement of Purpose.

Talk about your extracurriculars and how you are competent to study at Kentucky.

Resume or CV

Elaborate on your work experience, certifications, and other achievements.

Standardized Scores

GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL Scores.

Application Fee

Non-refundable application fee of $75 (INR 6,204).

Exams Accepted By University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky accepts the following English proficiency and standardized test scores from international students:

English Language Proficiency:

  • TOEFL: 550 PBT; 213 CBT; 79 iBT.
  • IELTS:6.5

Undergraduate Programs:

  • SAT: 1080 - 1280
  • ACT: 25

Graduate Programs:

  • GRE: 155
  • GMAT: 636
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Rankings for The University of Kentucky

US News Ranking

#159

US News National rank

The World University Rankings

#401-500

The World University Rankings

QS World University Rankings

#791-800

QS World University Rankings

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Students University of Kentucky

50

Yocketers applied

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30

Yocketers admitted

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699

Yocketers interested

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International Students

% of international students in the university

5

Total International Students in the university

1605

Alumni at University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky has a large and distinguished alumni network, with over 286,000 alumni living in all 50 states and around the world. Notable alumni include:

  • Ashley Judd, CEO of AT&T Kentucky.
  • James E. Burke, CEO of Johnson & Johnson.
  • Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senate Minority Leader.
  • De'Aaron Fox, athlete.
  • James E. Lucas, CEO of DUKYe Energy.
  • Rand Paul, U.S. Senator.
  • Andy Beshear, current Governor of Kentucky.

Just like these exceptional people, you can too become part of the University of Kentucky’s alumni association, by fulfilling your dream of studying there through Yocket's assistance!

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Reviews for University of Kentucky

Campus life

Number of campuses the university has
3

Campus locations
Kentucky

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Transportation in the city

Lexington, Kentucky has various transportation options, including:

  • Public transportation: Lextran is the public transportation authority for Lexington and Fayette County. It operates a network of bus routes that serve the entire city and county. Lextran also offers a paratransit service for people with disabilities who are unable to use the regular bus service.
  • Taxis and ride-sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available in Lexington. These services can be a convenient way to get around the city, especially if you are traveling to and from the airport or other areas that are not well-served by public transportation.
  • Car rentals: If you are planning on doing a lot of driving in Lexington and the surrounding area, you may want to consider renting a car. There are several car rental companies located at the Lexington-Blue Grass Airport and throughout the city.
  • Walking and biking: Lexington is a relatively walkable and bike-friendly city. There are many bike lanes and paths throughout the city, and several attractions are within walking distance of downtown.
  • Horse-drawn carriage rides: Horse-drawn carriage rides are a unique way to experience Lexington. Several companies offer carriage rides in the downtown area.

Services offered by the university

The University of Kentucky offers many services to its students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community. These services include:

  • Academic support: The university offers various academic support services to help students succeed, including tutoring, academic advising, and career counseling.
  • Personal support: The university also offers various personal support services, such as counseling, health services, and disability services.
  • Financial aid: The university offers various financial aid options to help students afford college, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
  • Events and workshops: The university hosts various events and workshops throughout the year on topics such as academic success, personal development, and career planning.
  • Summer bridge program: The university offers a summer bridge program for first-generation college students and students from underrepresented groups. This program helps students prepare for the academic and social challenges of college life.

These are some basic services provided by the University of Kentucky. But there are also some special services offered for international students, the disabled, and individuals belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.

Student life at University of Kentucky

With an array of activities, clubs, and cultural events offered by Kentucky, you are sure to feel involved. Let us look at the factors that contribute to the vibrancy of the student life at the University of Kentucky:

  • Join a club or organization: There are over 400 clubs and organizations to choose from at the University of Kentucky, so there is something for everyone. Students can join academic clubs, sports teams, fraternities and sororities, or cultural groups.
  • Attend a sporting event: The University of Kentucky is a Division I school in the SEC, so there are plenty of sporting events to attend throughout the year. Students can cheer on the Wildcats at football games, basketball games, baseball games, and more.
  • See a show: The University of Kentucky's School of Fine Arts hosts various performances throughout the year, including plays, musicals, concerts, and dance recitals. Students can also attend performances at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, which is located just a short walk from campus.
  • Volunteer: There are many opportunities to volunteer in the Lexington community. Students can volunteer at local schools, soup kitchens, or homeless shelters.
  • Explore campus: The University of Kentucky's campus is beautiful and there is a lot to see and do. Students can explore the Arboretum, visit the UKY Art Museum, or take a walk through the W.T. Young Library.

These are just a few factors that make the University of Kentucky’s student life so happening. If you go there, you will feel involved and get various opportunities to shine as an individual.

On campus accomodation at University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky offers various on-campus accommodation options for undergraduate and graduate students. These options include:

  • Traditional residence halls: Traditional residence halls are the most common type of on-campus housing in the University of Kentucky. They are designed to create a sense of community and provide students with easy access to academic resources and campus activities. Traditional residence halls offer various room types, including singles, doubles, triples, and quads. Some traditional residence halls also offer co-ed floors or suites.
  • Living Learning Programs (LLPs): LLPs are residential communities that focus on a specific academic or personal interest. They offer students the opportunity to live with other students who share their interests and to participate in programming and activities related to their chosen theme. The University of Kentucky offers various LLPs, including the Audre Lorde Social Justice LLP, the CAFE Agriculture Community LLP, the CI Connect Community LLP, the International Village, the Interprofessional Healthcare Residential College (IHRC), and the Women's Leadership Academy LLP.
  • Graduate and Family Housing: The University of Kentucky offers various on-campus housing options for graduate students and families. These options include apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes. Graduate and Family Housing communities are located throughout campus and offer various amenities, such as fitness centers, playgrounds, and community centers.

The University of Kentucky is committed to providing students with various safe and affordable on-campus housing options. Students are encouraged to explore all of their housing options and choose the option that best meets their needs.

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FAQ

  • What programs does the University of Kentucky offer?

  • The University of Kentucky offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, health sciences, arts and sciences, and more.

  • What are the admission requirements for undergraduate programs?

  • Admission requirements for undergraduate programs at the University of Kentucky typically include a completed application, high school transcripts, standardized test scores (ACT/SAT), and a personal statement.

  • Are scholarships available for incoming students?

  • Yes, the University of Kentucky offers various merit-based scholarships and financial aid opportunities for incoming students. Eligibility criteria and application procedures can be found on the university's website.

  • What is the campus environment like at the University of Kentucky?

  • The University of Kentucky offers a vibrant and inclusive campus environment with state-of-the-art facilities, numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural events.

  • Are there opportunities for undergraduate research at the University of Kentucky?

  • Yes, the university emphasizes undergraduate research and provides numerous opportunities for students to engage in research projects, collaborate with faculty, and gain hands-on experience in their fields of interest.

  • What support services are available for students?

  • The University of Kentucky offers comprehensive support services, including academic advising, career counseling, tutoring, health services, counseling centers, and student organizations focused on various interests and identities.

  • What is the cost of tuition and fees at the University of Kentucky?

  • Tuition and fees at the University of Kentucky vary depending on the student's residency status and program of study. Detailed information regarding tuition rates can be found on the university's website.

  • Does the University of Kentucky provide opportunities for internships and co-op programs?

  • Yes, the university has strong connections with local and national employers, offering students opportunities for internships, co-op programs, and experiential learning to gain real-world experience in their chosen fields.

  • Are there study abroad programs available for students?

  • Yes, the University of Kentucky offers study abroad programs that allow students to immerse themselves in different cultures, broaden their global perspective, and earn credits towards their degree.

  • What is the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion?

  • The University of Kentucky is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community, promoting equity and providing resources and support for students of all backgrounds.