University of Kentucky SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Kentucky’s 92.9% acceptance rate means admission is realistic for many applicants, so your strategy is to show you can thrive once enrolled. Since half of applicants submit ACT scores, a 28 puts you at the top of Kentucky’s middle range if testing is a strength. If not, lean on a steady GPA near or above 3.58.
⬡ LangSmith3a6833b9-d17c-497c-a266-167273082dfbData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of Kentucky facts and stats
University of Kentucky enrolls 25,535 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Kentucky has an 87% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 71% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17.7:1.
⬡ LangSmith06750669-1749-4445-a678-d9280e82881fLexington, KY
How do your scores compare at Kentucky?
Key University of Kentucky application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
February 15
Early Action
December 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
December 1
Financial Aid Priority
February 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Kentucky, take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes. For the December 1 Early Action deadline, the October SAT or ACT is usually the last practical retake whose scores should arrive in time.
⬡ LangSmith374ff834-8e84-495e-b6b0-f11fe181bf41Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at University of Kentucky?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
At Kentucky, a public SEC university, in-state tuition is $12,109 and out-of-state tuition is $32,747. About 25% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $8,345. Submit the FAFSA by the February 15 priority deadline.
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At Kentucky, out-of-state tuition is $32,747, while in-state tuition is $12,109, before $16,016 for room and board. About 25% of students receive aid, with an average package of $17,506, and the average merit award is $8,345. Students should compare scholarships and need-based aid against the sticker price, especially if paying the higher public-school rate. Graduates leave with an average debt of $39,755.
⬡ LangSmith28390aec-33e1-478e-8c63-327622a4acbbStudent life at University of Kentucky
32% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: No guarantee
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 19% of men join fraternities, and 29% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
University of Louisville
Louisville, KYAcceptance rate: 79.4%
SAT: 1010–1230
ACT: 19–27
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KYAcceptance rate: 93.9%
SAT: 940–1130
ACT: 18–25
University of Mississippi
University, MSAcceptance rate: 96.6%
SAT: 1000–1200
ACT: 21–29
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KYAcceptance rate: 96.8%
SAT: 950–1180
ACT: 17–24
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