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College Comparison

UC San Diego vs University of Kentucky: Which is Better?

Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.

School

UC San Diego

La Jolla, CA

School

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricUC San DiegoUniversity of Kentucky
Acceptance Rate24.5%wins92.4%
SAT Range (25th–75th)N/A1080–1290wins
ACT Range (25th–75th)N/A21–28
Tuition (Out-of-State)$46,042$33,406wins
Avg Net Price$11,750wins$17,218
Median Earnings (10 yr)$84,943wins$59,025
Graduation Rate87.6%wins69.9%
Retention Rate93.9%wins86.7%
Student–Faculty Ratio19:117:1wins
Total Enrollment33,787wins23,189

Verdict

Based on the data above, UC San Diego edges out University of Kentucky on 6 of 9 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.

UC San Diego Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 24.5%
  • Avg Net Price: $11,750
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $84,943
  • Graduation Rate: 87.6%

University of Kentucky Strengths

  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1080–1290
  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $33,406
  • Student–Faculty Ratio: 17:1

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