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


The University of Kentucky offers relatively affordable tuition for in-state undergraduate students, with full-time tuition priced at $11,849, which is considered low and ranks in the bottom 25% nationally. Fees for these students average $1,363, placing them near the median compared to other institutions. For out-of-state undergraduates, tuition rises significantly to $32,043, which is average but leans towards the higher side, ranking in the top 45%, while the fees remain consistent at $1,363.
Graduate tuition follows a similar pattern, with in-state full-time charges at $12,967, classified as average and in the lower 40% percentile. Out-of-state graduate students face higher costs, with tuition reaching $34,096, a figure categorized as high and within the top 15%. Corresponding fees for graduate students stay steady at $1,363 regardless of residency.
The cost of living on campus is also noteworthy. Room charges are steep at $11,250, situating them among the top 20% nationwide, while board or meal plans cost $5,446, seen as average and at the lower end of the scale. The university supports a very large dormitory capacity of 8,310 beds, one of the highest in the country.
Adding tuition and fees together, in-state students at the University of Kentucky encounter an annual cost of $13,907, which is low and places the university in the bottom quartile for affordability. However, room and board bring the total approximately to $30,603, which is substantially higher and ranks in the upper 30% percentile.
When compared to national averages, in-state students attending four-year public universities face an average total annual cost of $25,707, making the University of Kentucky's total expenses-including room and board-somewhat higher than the typical in-state public college. In contrast, out-of-state students at similar institutions average around $44,014 annually, putting the University of Kentucky's out-of-state tuition in a mid-range position but with a living cost that remains significant.
The University of Kentucky offers a variety of work-study opportunities aimed at helping students finance their education while gaining valuable work experience. Students participating in the federal and state work-study programs can find employment in numerous on-campus departments, contributing to both administrative and research functions. These positions are designed to be flexible, allowing students to balance their academic workload with their job responsibilities.
Typical on-campus jobs include roles in libraries, student centers, classrooms, and within various university offices, offering diverse experiences across different fields. Work-study students are generally paid hourly wages that align with federal guidelines, though specific pay rates can vary depending on the position and department. Although the exact average pay is not explicitly stated, federal work-study wages typically correspond to the prevailing local minimum wage or higher.
The University of Kentucky also emphasizes connecting students with internships, both on and off campus, that often complement their academic majors and career goals. These internships may offer paid positions that can sometimes be integrated with work-study funding, enhancing practical learning and professional development.
International students attending the University of Kentucky may also be eligible to participate in certain work-study programs, although opportunities for off-campus employment are more limited due to visa restrictions. On-campus work-study roles remain accessible for international students who meet the eligibility criteria, providing them with a means to contribute financially while gaining experience within the university environment.
Typical room charge for academic year
$11,250Typical board charge for academic year
$5,446Total dormitory capacity
8310Institution provide on-campus housing
YesInstitution provides board or meal plan
YesAny alternative tuition plans offered by institution
Data not availableTuition guaranteed plan
NoPrepaid tuition plan
NoUndergraduate average amount
$12,161All
$13,024Undergraduate average amount
$9,761Graduate average amount
$10,846Students awarded Title IV federal financial aid (2023-2024)
Average net price (income 30,001-48,000)-students awarded Title IV federal financial aid, 2018-19
$11,329Average net price (income 48,001-75,000)-students awarded Title IV federal financial aid, 2018-19
$14,557Average net price (income 75,001-110,000)-students awarded Title IV federal financial aid, 2018-19
$20,655Average net price (income over 110,000)-students awarded Title IV federal financial aid, 2018-19
$24,687