Head to head · Kentucky
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.
| Household income | University of Kentucky | Western Kentucky University | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $30k | $12,182 | $7,087 | $5,095 |
| $30–48k | $12,119 | $6,871 | $5,248 |
| $48–75k | $16,313 | $9,765 | $6,548 |
| $75–110k | $21,192 | $14,049 | $7,143 |
| Over $110k | $26,781 | $17,653 | $9,128 |
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.
What are your student's real admit chances? The math, shown →
Early Decision: when the binding bet is worth it →
Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.
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.
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.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. First three schools free.
University of Kentucky — every income band · Western Kentucky University — every income band · All Kentucky public colleges