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


The University of Kentucky provides a robust athletics program that competes at the NCAA Division I level, representing the institution in a variety of sports. Known primarily for its strong basketball tradition, the university's men's basketball team has a storied history with multiple national championships and a reputation for attracting top-tier talent.
Beyond basketball, the university fields competitive teams in sports such as football, baseball, and women's basketball, along with a range of other men's and women's sports, including golf, tennis, soccer, and track and field. This comprehensive athletic offering allows student-athletes to participate in high-caliber competition while pursuing their education.
Athletic facilities at the university are well-developed to support both training and competition, featuring arenas and stadiums that host large crowds and contribute to a vibrant sports culture. Student engagement is encouraged, with numerous opportunities to attend games, join fan organizations, and engage in campus spirit activities.
Prospective student-athletes seeking to combine academic pursuits with competitive athletics will find a supportive environment at the university, with resources dedicated to balancing the demands of sports and studies. The athletics program emphasizes development both on and off the field, fostering teamwork, leadership, and discipline.
University of Kentucky offers a variety of student organizations catering to diverse interests. Among the groups available are the Interfraternity Council, which oversees fraternities, and the Finance Society, dedicated to students interested in finance and related fields. The NeuriCATS club provides opportunities related to neuroscience, while Alpha Lambda Delta serves as an honor society recognizing academic achievement. Additionally, the Pre-PA Student Association supports those pursuing careers as physician assistants.
The University of Kentucky hosts a very large and diverse student body, with a total enrollment of 7,328 students, which ranks it among the largest universities nationally. Freshmen alone number over 6,400, emphasizing the university's broad appeal to new college entrants, while transfer students add nearly 900 more, maintaining a strong influx of new learners at different stages of their academic journeys.
Undergraduate students dominate the campus population, numbering tens of thousands when considering various age brackets. Most undergraduates fall between the ages of 18 and 21, but the university also accommodates a wide age range including mature students into their 50s and beyond. Graduate students tend to be older, with many between 22 and 49 years old, reflecting the presence of advanced degree programs that attract mid-career and experienced learners.
In terms of residency, about 58% of students come from within the state, a proportion that is considered average compared to peer institutions. Out-of-state students make up a significant portion as well, representing around 40% of the student body, a comparatively strong showing that suggests a substantial appeal beyond Kentucky's borders. Domestic students from different U. S. states compose nearly all of the population, indicating a relatively low international presence.
The ethnic diversity of the university's students presents an intriguing mix. The majority identify as White, representing one of the highest proportions nationwide. African American students also form a large segment, ranking in the top 20% of similar institutions for enrollment. Hispanic and Asian student populations are moderate, both falling in the upper 40-60 percentile range. Additionally, students who identify with two or more races constitute a notably large group, placing the university in the top 5% nationally for this category.
Smaller populations include Native American, Pacific Islander, and students with unknown racial identification, each making up a modest, average share within the university community.
Student life at University of Kentucky offers a vibrant and dynamic environment supported by a variety of cultural and extracurricular activities. The campus hosts a range of student-run media and artistic outlets, including a newspaper, drama productions, radio station, band, chorus, and television, providing numerous opportunities for student involvement in creative and communicative endeavors.
The university also emphasizes student well-being and support services. Comprehensive health resources are available on campus, including a health clinic and psychological counseling. Additionally, specialized offices such as the Veterans Affairs Office and a Women's Center address the needs of diverse student populations, ensuring a supportive community for all.
With a large full-time student population exceeding 34,000, including a strong representation of degree-seeking students, University of Kentucky maintains a student-faculty ratio of 17 to 1. This balance facilitates accessible academic support alongside a substantial campus community. Moreover, the campus is home to a substantial number of staff members, reflecting a well-supported institution designed to meet student needs efficiently.
The University of Kentucky offers a robust library system centered around the William T. Young Library. Students have access to a total of six libraries, placing the institution in the top 5% nationally for the number of library facilities available. The university's library network is highly resourceful, featuring over 2.4 million physical books, which ranks it among the top 5% for book collections nationwide.
Additionally, the university provides an extensive range of subscriptions, with nearly 90,000 different subscriptions that also place it within the top 5%. Digital resources are plentiful as well, with more than 2.7 million eBooks available, ranking University of Kentucky in the top 5% for this digital library category.
While the number of databases offered-513-is average and sits slightly below the median on a national scale, the overall library access is enhanced by shared collections, digital access, and trained staff to assist students. The University of Kentucky's libraries provide year-round established hours with all-day access and total weekly service hours amounting to 144. Study rooms and physical facilities are available to support both individual and group study needs.
Total enrollment
34710Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
6439Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
1481 full time, 878 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
William T. YoungNumber of libraries on campus
6Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
YesPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes