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Head to head · Kentucky

University of Kentucky vs Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University costs less than University of Kentucky at every income band federal data covers — between $5,095 and $9,128 less per year, depending on what you earn.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeUniversity of KentuckyWestern Kentucky UniversityDifference
Under $30k$12,182$7,087$5,095 · Western Kentucky University
$30–48k$12,119$6,871$5,248 · Western Kentucky University
$48–75k$16,313$9,765$6,548 · Western Kentucky University
$75–110k$21,192$14,049$7,143 · Western Kentucky University
Over $110k$26,781$17,653$9,128 · Western Kentucky University

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
Western Kentucky University$59,217
Difference over four years$30,108

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% · 94%
Average SAT1215 · 971

Listed University of Kentucky first, then Western Kentucky University. 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 · $43,889
Graduate in four years55% · 44%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$22,500 · $22,095

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 · Western Kentucky University — every income band · All Kentucky public colleges