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


The University of Kentucky holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. This regional accreditation signifies that the university meets established standards of quality and effectiveness in its educational programs and institutional operations.
The University of Kentucky requires applicants to have completed high school or possess a General Educational Development (GED) credential. Submission of a secondary school record and a minimum grade point average are mandatory, while a secondary school class rank is recommended but not required. Applicants must have completed a college preparatory program. Recommendations and demonstration of competencies are encouraged, though not compulsory. English language proficiency through TOEFL is required for non-native speakers, with additional standardized tests recommended but not mandatory. The university does not admit students under an open admission policy and does not accept dual credit for admission purposes. Both credit and Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted once enrolled.
The University of Kentucky reports average standardized test scores consistent with a competitive applicant pool. The mean SAT score stands at 1207, placing applicants roughly in the top 40% nationally, with an average math score of 605 and writing score of 602. The mean ACT score is 26, also near the top 40%. Approximately 50% of enrolled students scored below 23 on the ACT, and 39.4% scored below 29, reflecting a moderate range of academic performance among admitted students.
Admission competitiveness is high, reflected by an acceptance rate of 92%, which ranks within the top 20% of institutions for selectivity. The university receives a large volume of applications, over 28,000 annually, with strong enrollment figures exceeding 6,400 students. These statistics indicate a balanced admission process prioritizing academic records and demonstrated preparation while maintaining accessibility.
Prospective students applying to University of Kentucky should anticipate an application fee when submitting their admission materials. The university charges a nonrefundable fee which helps cover the administrative costs of processing applications. However, certain students may qualify for fee waivers based on specific eligibility criteria, reducing financial barriers to applying.
Fee waivers are typically granted to applicants who demonstrate financial need or belong to particular groups such as low-income students, participants in recognized college preparatory programs, or those attending high schools with limited resources. These waivers are intended to support access and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds.
Students seeking a fee waiver must provide appropriate documentation or follow the university's prescribed process when submitting their applications. It is advisable for prospective applicants to review the university's official guidelines or contact the admissions office to confirm their eligibility and the proper procedure for requesting a waiver.
University of Kentucky offers an ROTC branch unit on its campus, providing students the opportunity to engage in military training alongside their academic studies. This program is designed to prepare cadets for future leadership roles in the armed forces while completing their college education.
The University of Kentucky permits transfer students to enroll in fall, spring, and summer terms, offering multiple opportunities throughout the year to begin studies. Prospective transfer students can benefit from the acceptance of various credit types, including credits earned through CLEP exams for both general and subject-specific tests, as well as DANTES credits. The university also accepts recommendations, supporting applications that include such endorsements. Overall, the institution demonstrates a flexible approach to credit transfer, accommodating students seeking to continue their education from other accredited programs.
The University of Kentucky offers a diverse range of study abroad programs designed to enrich students' academic and cultural experiences. These opportunities include short-term faculty-led trips, semester-long exchanges, and summer programs, allowing students to select a format that best fits their educational goals and schedules. Participants can study across multiple continents, gaining exposure to global perspectives in various fields of study.
Through its partnerships with international institutions, the university facilitates semester and year-long exchanges, enabling students to immerse themselves in different academic environments while earning credits applicable toward their degrees. The faculty-led programs, often lasting a few weeks, focus on specific disciplines and incorporate cultural excursions, enhancing both learning and engagement with the host country.
Additionally, the university provides support services such as pre-departure orientations, on-site assistance, and academic advising to ensure students have a smooth and rewarding study abroad experience. Financial aid and scholarship options are also available to help offset program costs, making global study accessible to a wider range of students.
Median composite SAT score
1207Median composite ACT score
26Percent of students submitting ACT scores
50%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
7%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer