
101 Main Building, Lexington, KY 40506-0032, USA


The University of Kentucky traces its origins to 1865 with the establishment of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky, a land-grant institution aimed at expanding educational access in agriculture and mechanical arts. Initially, it functioned as a department within Kentucky University before gaining autonomy in 1878 after legislative action separated the two entities. Over time, the college broadened its academic scope beyond agriculture and mechanics, reflecting a commitment to providing a more comprehensive education to meet the evolving needs of its students and state.
Significant growth occurred in the early 20th century, marked by the development of various colleges and professional schools within the university. This transformation included the introduction of programs in law, medicine, and engineering, illustrating an expanding dedication to research and professional training. The university's evolution continued through mid-century, transitioning from a regional agricultural college into a prominent research institution. This progression was underscored by increased funding and a growing emphasis on graduate education and scientific inquiry.
Throughout its history, the University of Kentucky has adapted to changing educational demands, positioning itself as a comprehensive university offering diverse academic opportunities. Its development reflects broader trends in American higher education, shifting from specialized technical instruction toward a multifaceted research university with a wide range of disciplines accessible to students seeking various career paths.
The University of Kentucky offers a broad range of faculties and departments designed to accommodate diverse academic interests and career goals. Students can pursue studies across multiple disciplines including arts and sciences, engineering, business, agriculture, and health sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences provides foundational education and advanced research opportunities in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, fostering critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning.
The College of Engineering emphasizes innovation and practical application, preparing students for fields such as mechanical, civil, electrical, and computer engineering through rigorous coursework and lab experiences. Meanwhile, the Gatton College of Business and Economics integrates theoretical knowledge with real-world practice, offering majors in areas like finance, marketing, management, and economics to equip students for the competitive business environment.
For those interested in agriculture and environmental sciences, the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment supports studies encompassing agronomy, animal science, sustainable agriculture, and food systems. The university's College of Health Sciences combines programs like nursing, public health, and medical laboratory science, focusing on improving community health and wellness through both education and hands-on training.
Additional specialized faculties include the College of Education, which prepares future educators and administrators with a focus on innovative teaching methods and leadership skills. The College of Communication and Information fosters expertise in media, journalism, and information technology, adapting to the evolving demands of digital communication fields.
The University of Kentucky is situated in Lexington, Kentucky, specifically in the South area of the city. The main campus is centered around the 101 Main Building, located within the postal code 40506-0032. This location places the university in a region with access to urban amenities while maintaining a distinct campus environment.
Lexington offers a setting that balances the atmosphere of a mid-sized city with cultural and recreational opportunities. The city is accessible via Blue Grass Airport, providing convenient travel options for students and visitors alike. This accessibility can be an important consideration for prospective students who travel frequently or have family and friends visiting during academic terms.
The University of Kentucky is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research, teaching, and service that benefits the commonwealth, the nation, and the world. Its mission emphasizes fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment that encourages intellectual growth and prepares students for leadership roles in a rapidly changing global society.
The university strives to provide high-quality education by combining innovative instruction with practical experiences, ensuring that students acquire critical thinking skills and professional competencies. Through collaborative research and community engagement, it aims to generate solutions to complex challenges and contribute to social, economic, and cultural development.
By nurturing a community committed to integrity, respect, and excellence, the University of Kentucky envisions itself as a leading institution recognized for transformative education, impactful scholarship, and meaningful outreach that enhances the well-being of society.
Name of the institution
University of KentuckyLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
20,000 and aboveSchool type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1865
Certificate of less than 1 year
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Accounting and Related Services
$50,335Agricultural Business and Management
$40,029Agricultural Engineering
$51,269Agricultural Production Operations
$30,296Agricultural Public Services
$26,813Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other
$37,268Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Data not availableAnimal Sciences
$29,252Anthropology
$23,884Apparel and Textiles
$35,317Applied Mathematics
Data not availableArchitecture
$35,777Area Studies
Data not availableArts, Entertainment,and Media Management
$25,200Biology, General
$21,456Biotechnology
$27,968Botany/Plant Biology
Data not availableBusiness Administration, Management and Operations
Data not availableBusiness/Commerce, General
$41,792Business/Managerial Economics
$47,381Chemical Engineering
$60,597Chemistry
$26,392Civil Engineering
$55,159Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Data not availableClinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
$52,351Communication and Media Studies
$34,243Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Data not availableComputer and Information Sciences, General
$60,064Computer Engineering
$64,632Dance
Data not availableDesign and Applied Arts
$45,726Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Data not availableEast Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Data not availableEconomics
$39,976Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
$67,465English Language and Literature, General
$23,244Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
Data not availableFamily and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
$28,623Finance and Financial Management Services
$50,819Fine and Studio Arts
$23,573Food Science and Technology
Data not availableFoods, Nutrition, and Related Services
$24,464Forestry
Data not availableGeography and Cartography
Data not availableGeological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Data not availableGermanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Data not availableHealth and Medical Administrative Services
$35,220Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
$26,420Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
Data not availableHistory
$22,606Hospitality Administration/Management
$39,835Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
Data not availableInformation Science/Studies
$42,916International Business
Data not availableInternational/Global Studies
$26,694Journalism
$31,366Landscape Architecture
Data not availableLiberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Data not availableLinguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
$23,473Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Data not availableMarketing
$38,713Materials Engineering
Data not availableMathematics
$37,594Mechanical Engineering
$62,556Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Data not availableMining and Mineral Engineering
Data not availableMulti-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
$29,546Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Data not availableMusic
Data not availableNatural Resources Conservation and Research
$27,800Neurobiology and Neurosciences
Data not availablePhilosophy
Data not availablePhysics
Data not availablePhysics and Astronomy
Data not availablePlant Sciences
Data not availablePolitical Science and Government
$29,192Psychology, General
$24,569Public Health
$28,293Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
$36,018Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
$25,801Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$58,034Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
Data not availableRomance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
$29,710Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Data not availableSocial Work
$28,314Sociology
$17,785Special Education and Teaching
$37,223Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$34,959Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$29,771Visual and Performing Arts, General
Data not availableZoology/Animal Biology
Data not available