College Comparison
UIUC 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
UIUC
Champaign, IL
School
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UIUC | University of Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.7%wins | 92.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1270–1510wins | 1080–1290 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 29–34wins | 21–28 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $34,501 | $33,406wins |
| Avg Net Price | $15,201wins | $17,218 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $81,054wins | $59,025 |
| Graduation Rate | 84.9%wins | 69.9% |
| Retention Rate | 94.3%wins | 86.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 20:1 | 17:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 34,623wins | 23,189 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UIUC 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.
UIUC Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 43.7%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1270–1510
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 29–34
- ✓Avg Net Price: $15,201
University of Kentucky Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $33,406
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.