Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Lexington, Kentucky
92.4% Acceptance Rate
University of Kentucky — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
92.4%Acceptance Rate
3.59Avg GPA
1213Avg SAT
25Avg ACT
$32,291Annual Cost
$59,025Grad Salary
21.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
92.4%
Avg GPA
3.59
Avg SAT
1213
Avg ACT
25
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1080–1290
ACT Middle 50%
21–28
Avg Net Price
$17,218
Need-Based Aid
21.5% receive Pell
University of Kentucky (KY) is a flagship public research institution. Admissions are competitive, focusing on GPA and course rigor. They seek students who are ready for a large, high-energy environment and who demonstrate the potential to excel in research, leadership, and professional networking.
University of Kentucky Acceptance Rate
University of Kentucky maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 92.4%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 92.4% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.59 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.39 – 3.58
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.14
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
University of Kentucky GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at University of Kentucky is 3.59. University of Kentucky is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.79-3.99 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.29 and 3.59, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
University of Kentucky GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at University of Kentucky utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.59, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.59 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.39 – 3.58
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.19 – 3.38
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.18
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Overall acceptance rate is approximately 92% (2024-25: 26,000 admitted from 28,233 applicants); average admitted GPA is approximately 3.51 unweighted; average submitted ACT is 26. UK is test-optional for admission and all scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year - the only exception is the competitive scholarship tier, which requires 31+ ACT/1390+ SAT or 4.0 unweighted GPA for test-optional applicants.
- Lewis Honors College supplemental essay prompt (500 words or fewer): "Kentucky is one of four states that is a Commonwealth. The term means the state is for the common good. What do you consider to be for 'the common good' and how do you hope to use your life experiences, challenges, uniqueness, and intellect to contribute to the common good in your community, as you define it?" - due December 1.
- The Singletary Scholarship covers full tuition for four years plus a two-year housing stipend; up to 25 awards per year; recipients are automatically enrolled in the Lewis Honors College. Scholarship interviews run January through mid-February. All competitive scholarships require the scholarship section of the application to be completed by December 1.
- Early Action deadline: December 1 (for scholarships, Lewis Honors College, and campus housing priority); Regular Decision deadline: February 15 (admission only, scholarships may not be available). Application fee: $50 domestic, $60 international. UK accepts both its own application portal and Common App.
- The Rigor Metric: At University of Kentucky, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at University of Kentucky
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Kentucky's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Kentucky Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into University of Kentucky Without SAT or ACT?
University of Kentucky considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
University of Kentucky Average SAT Score: 1213
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Kentucky is 1213 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1213 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1213 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1290 SAT or 28 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Kentucky allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1080, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at University of Kentucky. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 590 | 530 | 650 |
| SAT Reading | 595 | 550 | 640 |
| SAT Composite | 1213 | 1080 | 1290 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1080 then you are below most of the admitted students at University of Kentucky and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1290 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into University of Kentucky with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Kentucky are good but the admission staff at University of Kentucky tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of Kentucky ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at University of Kentucky is 25.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 25 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes University of Kentucky slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 25 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 24 | 20 | 27 |
| ACT English | 25 | 21 | 29 |
| ACT Composite | 25 | 21 | 28 |
Can I get into University of Kentucky with a 28 ACT?
A 28 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at University of Kentucky — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at University of Kentucky use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that University of Kentucky — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether University of Kentucky uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 28 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Kentucky
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
University of Kentucky provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
December 1 Early Action Is the Only Path to Competitive Scholarships and Lewis Honors College - And Funds Exhaust Before the Deadline
UK's Early Action deadline of December 1 is not merely a timing preference - it is the structural gate for everything high-achieving students come to UK for. Applying by December 1 is required to be considered for the Singletary Scholarship (full tuition for four years plus a two-year housing stipend, awarded to up to 25 students annually), all other competitive academic scholarships, and the Lewis Honors College. Critically, UK's own scholarship page warns that in previous years scholarship funds have been exhausted before the December 1 deadline - meaning students who wait until late November may still miss the window. Students must also complete the competitive academic scholarship section of the application itself; it is not automatically included, and students who submitted their application without completing that section must request a supplement from the Office of Undergraduate Admission before December 1. Scholarship interviews are conducted January through mid-February.
The Lewis Honors College Essay Has a Specific, Kentucky-Rooted Prompt - It Cannot Be Recycled From Other Schools
Lewis Honors College requires a distinct supplemental essay of 500 words or fewer with a prompt unique to UK and its Commonwealth identity: "Kentucky is one of four states that is a Commonwealth. The term means the state is for the common good. What do you consider to be for 'the common good' and how do you hope to use your life experiences, challenges, uniqueness, and intellect to contribute to the common good in your community, as you define it?" This essay cannot be repurposed from Common App essays or other supplemental prompts. It rewards students who have genuine place-based thinking about service, community, and purpose - not abstract leadership statements. Submission deadline is midnight EST on December 1. Separately, competitive scholarship applicants (test scores: 31+ ACT or 1390+ SAT, or test-optional applicants with 4.0 unweighted GPA) must also complete the competitive scholarship section of the UK application or submit the supplement by December 1.
Test-Optional Through 2028-29 - But Submitting Scores Above 31 ACT Still Unlocks the Competitive Scholarship Tier
UK is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year, meaning high school GPA alone can qualify students for automatic academic awards. However, there is a meaningful structural split in the scholarship landscape: the competitive scholarship tier - which includes the Singletary and Presidential Scholarships - requires either a minimum 31 ACT or 1390 SAT score, OR a 4.0 unweighted GPA for test-optional applicants. Students with a 3.5?3.9 GPA and a 31+ ACT score who apply test-optional effectively opt themselves out of the competitive tier. Counsel students clearly: submitting strong scores above the 31 ACT threshold can open the top scholarship bracket; submitting weaker scores adds nothing under UK's test-optional framework (scores are considered but not required). UK does not superscore combined test administrations for scholarship decisions.
Transfer Students and Continuing Students Can Still Access Lewis Honors College - The Upper-Level Admission Window Is Separate
Students who arrive at UK without entering Lewis Honors College as first-year students are not permanently excluded. UK offers an Upper-Level Admission (ULA) pathway for students entering their second or third year, or transfer students who plan to remain at UK for at least two academic years. ULA requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 and a writing sample reviewed by an Honors faculty committee. Students who submit ULA applications by the December priority deadline receive admission decisions before priority registration - a practical advantage for course planning. Transfer students are eligible to apply and may access Honors advising, course offerings, the Center for Personal Development, and faculty mentorship even if they missed the first-year Honors window.
Expert Insight:
The most reliably damaging failure pattern at UK is the high-achieving student who applies after December 1 under the assumption that "rolling admissions" means scholarship opportunities remain available throughout the cycle. They don't. UK's scholarship language is explicit: funds have been exhausted in previous years before the December 1 deadline itself - let alone in February or March. A student with a 3.8 unweighted GPA and 32 ACT who applies January 15 under Regular Decision not only misses all competitive scholarship consideration but may also miss automatic academic scholarship tiers depending on funding availability. The second failure: students who submit the UK or Common App application without completing the separate competitive scholarship section, not realizing it must be done at time of application (or by special supplement request) and cannot be added after the December 1 deadline.
University of Kentucky Profile
Full Name
University of Kentucky
City
Lexington
State
Kentucky
ZIP Code
40506-0032
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a University of Kentucky Degree Worth It?
Getting into University of Kentucky can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. University of Kentucky offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at University of Kentucky is $59,300 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.99%.
How much does a degree from University of Kentucky Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Kentucky is $32,291. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Kentucky is $17,218.
21.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 34.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of Kentucky and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Kentucky, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist University of Kentucky as your choice in the form.
How much does a University of Kentucky Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $59,025. An average University of Kentucky graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Kentucky. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1182 | 25 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Spelman College | Atlanta, GA | 1184 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Kentucky. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Kentucky. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
Degree Programs at University of Kentucky
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by University of Kentucky →
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Kentucky Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $59,025 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $32,291 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
21.5% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of University of Kentucky is 92.4% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.59. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.29, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.29, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.19 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.59, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to University of Kentucky is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1213 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1080–1290.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.