Chances of Getting Into University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky • Public University • #136 National • Founded 1865
Kentucky Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Kentucky SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky is a major public research university in the heart of Bluegrass Country. Home to a top-5 pharmacy school and legendary basketball program, UK combines SEC athletics with strong health sciences and engineering programs.
Top Programs
What Makes Kentucky Unique
- Top-5 ranked pharmacy school in the nation
- Legendary basketball program — 8 national championships
- Markey Cancer Center — NCI-designated research facility
- Lexington — the Horse Capital of the World
- Lewis Honors College with substantial scholarships
Kentucky Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Kentucky Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Kentucky: Admission Tips
UK has high acceptance — focus on honors and scholarship apps
Lewis Honors College is competitive and offers great perks
If interested in pharmacy, the direct-admit pathway is valuable
Merit scholarships for OOS students can make UK very affordable
EA gives earlier decisions and priority scholarship review
The Brutal Truth About Kentucky Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 90% acceptance rate, Kentucky rejected over 1,900 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Kentucky, having a 3.5 GPA and 1200 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Kentucky doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Kentucky genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 90%-acceptance-rate basket.
Kentucky Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at University of Kentucky?
University of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 90% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 19,000+ applicants, approximately 5,200 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Kentucky?
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Kentucky is 3.5. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.35, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Kentucky?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Kentucky students is 1100-1300. The average SAT score is 1200. For ACT, the range is 23-29 with an average of 26.
Is Kentucky hard to get into?
Yes, University of Kentucky is selective with an acceptance rate of just 90%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Kentucky cost?
Tuition at University of Kentucky is $12,859 per year, with total cost of attendance at $28,200. However, 60% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $12,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Kentucky?
Your chances of getting into University of Kentucky depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 90% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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Popular Majors at Kentucky
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