College Comparison
University of Kentucky vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY
School
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | University of Kentucky | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 92.4% | 46.0%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1080–1290 | 1190–1340wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 21–28 | 25–31wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $33,406 | $31,974wins |
| Avg Net Price | $17,218wins | $18,109 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $59,025 | $60,249wins |
| Graduation Rate | 69.9% | 73.5%wins |
| Retention Rate | 86.7% | 91.1%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 23,189 | 28,763wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Tennessee edges out University of Kentucky on 8 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
University of Kentucky Strengths
- ✓Avg Net Price: $17,218
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Tennessee Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 46.0%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1190–1340
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 25–31
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $31,974
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