College Compass Start free →

Head to head · Kentucky

University of Kentucky vs University of Louisville

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At $48–75k and below, University of Kentucky is the cheaper of the two; from $75–110k up, University of Louisville is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeUniversity of KentuckyUniversity of LouisvilleDifference
Under $30k$12,182$15,138$2,956 · University of Kentucky
$30–48k$12,119$14,601$2,482 · University of Kentucky
$48–75k$16,313$16,419$106 · University of Kentucky
$75–110k$21,192$20,995$197 · University of Louisville
Over $110k$26,781$25,186$1,595 · University of Louisville

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

University of Kentucky$89,324
University of Louisville$88,494
Difference over four years$830

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate93% · 79%
Average SAT1215 · 1150

Listed University of Kentucky first, then University of Louisville. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$59,025 · $53,899
Graduate in four years55% · 44%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$22,500 · $20,500

Again University of Kentucky first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

University of Kentucky — every income band · University of Louisville — every income band · All Kentucky public colleges