University of Kentucky

What are the graduation rates for students at University of Kentucky?

The University of Kentucky demonstrates a solid performance in graduation outcomes, with an overall graduation rate of 70%, placing it in the top 25% nationally. This indicates a relatively high success rate for students completing their programs compared to many other institutions. The six-year graduation rate, an important benchmark often used to measure student persistence and completion, mirrors this strong performance at 70%, also ranking in the top 25% across the country.

Retention rates further reflect the university's ability to support students through their academic journey. At 87%, the retention rate is notably high and is in the top 20% percentile, suggesting that a significant majority of first-year students return for their second year, which often correlates with eventual graduation.

When analyzed by gender, graduation rates show some variation. Women graduate at a rate of 73%, ranking in the top 30%, whereas men graduate at a slightly lower rate of 65%, still within the top 30%. This disparity aligns with broader national trends in higher education.

Four-year graduation rates at the University of Kentucky stand at 54%, considered average but still placing the university in the top 35% percentile. This suggests that while about half of the students finish their degree within the traditional four-year timeframe, a larger portion completes in six years or less.

What is the earning potential for graduates at University of Kentucky?

The earning potential for graduates from University of Kentucky varies considerably depending on the chosen field of study. Engineering disciplines tend to provide some of the highest average salaries, with Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering graduates earning approximately $67,465 and Computer Engineering graduates earning about $64,632. Mechanical Engineering and Chemical Engineering are also lucrative, with earnings around $62,556 and $60,597 respectively. Computer and Information Sciences graduates enjoy an average earning of $60,064, reflecting the strong demand for skills in technology-related areas.

Business-related degrees generally offer solid financial returns. Accounting graduates earn roughly $50,335 on average, while Finance and Financial Management Services graduates see about $50,819. Business/Commerce degrees have an average starting salary close to $41,792, and Business/Managerial Economics graduates earn approximately $47,381, highlighting the financial appeal of business fields at the university.

In health-related areas, Registered Nursing graduates make around $58,034, and Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science graduates earn about $52,351. These figures suggest competitive earnings in health sciences and allied professions.

Agricultural and related sciences offer variable salaries. Agricultural Business and Management graduates can expect around $40,029, while Agricultural Engineering majors earn approximately $51,269. Careers in this sector demonstrate moderate earning potential with opportunities for specialization offering higher compensation.

Other fields show moderate earnings as well. For example, Information Science/Studies graduates earn about $42,916, and Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication majors receive around $36,018. Communication and Media Studies graduates earn near $34,243, suggesting diverse but generally solid income expectations in communications.

Degrees in education, such as Special Education and Teaching, yield an average earning of approximately $37,223, while Teacher Education and Professional Development across specific methods and subjects range between $29,771 and $34,959.

Humanities and social sciences generally result in lower initial earnings. Economics graduates earn roughly $39,976, Political Science and Government around $29,192, and Sociology graduates receive approximately $17,785. Language studies such as Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics offer about $29,710, while English Language and Literature graduates make around $23,244.

Overall, engineering, computer science, business, and healthcare-related degrees at University of Kentucky stand out for their stronger early career earning potential, which may guide prospective students considering financial outcomes after graduation.