College Comparison
University of Virginia 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
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
School
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UVA | University of Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 16.9%wins | 92.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1410–1530wins | 1080–1290 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–34wins | 21–28 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $58,014 | $33,406wins |
| Avg Net Price | $22,881 | $17,218wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $86,863wins | $59,025 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.3%wins | 69.9% |
| Retention Rate | 97.3%wins | 86.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1wins | 17:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 17,315 | 23,189wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UVA edges out University of Kentucky on 7 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.
UVA Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 16.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1410–1530
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–34
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $86,863
University of Kentucky Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $33,406
- ✓Avg Net Price: $17,218
- ✓Total Enrollment: 23,189
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.