Getting in
For Fall 2025, 33,387 first-year students applied to UK, 31,222 were admitted and 6,960 enrolled: an acceptance rate of 93.5%.
Source: UK Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C1. Read Oct 1, 2026.
By residency, first-year applicants, Fall 2025
| Applicants | Applied | Admitted | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-state | 9,087 | 8,658 | 95.3% |
| Out-of-state | 23,214 | 21,588 | 93% |
| International | 1,086 | 976 | 89.9% |
Source: UK Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C1, residency table. Read Oct 1, 2026.
By school or major. UK's Common Data Set reports one first-year acceptance rate for the whole university, with no rate by college or major.
Source: UK Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Early action. UK has no early decision plan. Its Early Action plan, with a December 1 deadline, is nonbinding and not restrictive. The Common Data Set gives no early action counts, so it gives no early round acceptance rate.
Source: UK Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), sections C21 and C22. Read Oct 1, 2026.
Programs with extra requirements
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
Most UK majors admit you directly, or as a pre-major, when UK admits you. Some colleges run their own admission process for selective majors:
- Selective majors in Business and Economics, Design, Engineering, Fine Arts, Health Sciences, Public Policy, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health and Social Work. Depending on the program: higher GPAs or test scores than general admission (including Kentucky's statewide academic readiness levels in reading, writing and math, which can also be met through a review of your high school courses and grades), a separate application after you are admitted to UK, a portfolio, or an on-campus or video interview. If you choose a selective major, UK may place you in another major until the program decides.
Source: UK Office of Undergraduate Admission, Selective Majors and Programs (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Majors
157 majors across 14 schools. Every bachelor's degree program in UK's official 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, grouped by the college that offers it, with the degree it leads to. Minors, certificates and graduate programs are left out.
Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment21
- Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology (B.S.)
- Agricultural Economics (B.S.)
- Agricultural Education and Advocacy (B.S.)
- Agriculture: Individualized Programs (B.S.)
- Animal Sciences (B.S.)
- Community and Leadership Development (B.S.)
- Dietetics (B.S.)
- Dietetics: Accelerated Coordinated Program in Dietetics (ACP) (B.S.)
- Equine Science and Management (B.S.)
- Family Financial Counseling (B.S.)
- Family Sciences (B.S.)
- Food Biosciences (B.S.)
- Forestry (B.S.)
- Horticultural Science (B.S.)
- Hospitality Management and Tourism (B.S.)
- Human Nutrition (B.S.)
- Landscape Architecture (B.S.)
- Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles (B.S.)
- Natural Resources and Environmental Science (B.S.)
- Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food Systems (B.S.)
- Agricultural Ecosystem Sciences (B.S.)
Source: UK 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Arts and Sciences53
The catalog's Arts and Sciences page lists its departments' majors in its honors table rather than as program links, so these are the catalog's Programs by Degree entries that no other college lists.
- African American and Africana Studies (B.A.)
- Anthropology (B.A.)
- Applied Psychology (B.A.)
- Biology (B.A.)
- Chemistry (B.A.)
- Earth and Environmental Sciences (B.A.)
- Economics (B.A.)
- English (B.A.)
- Environmental and Sustainability Studies (B.A.)
- Foreign Language and International Economics (B.A.)
- Gender and Women's Studies (B.A.)
- Geography (B.A.)
- Health, Society, and Populations (B.A.)
- History (B.A.)
- International Studies (B.A.)
- Law and Justice (B.A.)
- Linguistics (B.A.)
- Mapping and GIScience (B.A.)
- Mathematical Economics (B.A.)
- Mathematics (B.A.)
- Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures and Cultures (B.A.)
- Philosophy (B.A.)
- Physics (B.A.)
- Political Science (B.A.)
- Psychology (B.A.)
- Sociology (B.A.)
- Spanish (B.A.)
- US Culture and Business Practices (B.A.)
- Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies (B.A.)
- Liberal Studies (B.L.S.)
- Anthropology (B.S.)
- Biology (B.S.)
- Chemistry: Biochemistry Option (B.S.)
- Chemistry: Materials Option (B.S.)
- Chemistry: Traditional Option (B.S.)
- Earth and Environmental Sciences (B.S.)
- Economics (B.S.)
- English (B.S.)
- Foreign Language and International Economics (B.S.)
- Geography (B.S.)
- History (B.S.)
- Linguistics (B.S.)
- Mapping and GIScience (B.S.)
- Mathematical Economics (B.S.)
- Mathematics (B.S.)
- Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures and Cultures (B.S.)
- Neuroscience (B.S.)
- Physics (B.S.)
- Political Science (B.S.)
- Psychology (B.S.)
- Sociology (B.S.)
- Statistics and Data Science (B.S.)
- Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies (B.S.)
Source: UK 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Programs by Degree (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Gatton College of Business and Economics7
- General Business (B.S.B.A.)
- Accounting (B.S.)
- Applied Economics (B.S.)
- Economics (B.S.B.E.)
- Management (B.B.A.)
- Marketing (B.B.A.)
- Finance (B.B.A.)
Source: UK 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Gatton College of Business and Economics (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Communication and Information13
- Information Communication Technology - Online Program (B.A.)
- Information Communication Technology (B.A.)
- Information Communication Technology (B.S.)
- Journalism (B.A.)
- Media Arts and Studies (B.A.)
- Journalism (B.S.)
- Media Arts and Studies (B.S.)
- Communication (B.A.)
- Communication: Human Communication Online Option (B.A.)
- Communication (B.S.)
- Communication: Human Communication Online Option (B.S.)
- Integrated Strategic Communication (B.A.)
- Integrated Strategic Communication (B.S.)
Source: UK 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, College of Communication and Information (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Design3
- Architecture (B.A.)
- Interiors: Planning/Strategy/Design (B.F.A.)
- Product Design (B.S.)
Source: UK 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, College of Design (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Education16
- Learning and Behavior Disorders and Elementary Education (B.A.)
- Interdisciplinary Disability Studies (B.A.E.)
- Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (B.S.)
- Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education, Non-Teacher Certification (B.S.E.)
- Leadership for Community Education and Human Learning: Non-Teaching Certification Program (B.S.)
- Special Education (B.S.)
- Sport Leadership and Management (B.A.E.)
- Kinesiology with Options in Exercise Science and Strength and Conditioning (B.S.)
- Health Education Teacher Education (B.S.E.)
- Health Promotion - Non-Teacher Certification (B.S.E.)
- Kinesiology: Physical Education Teacher Education (B.S.E.)
- Elementary Education (B.A.E.)
- Middle Level Education (B.A.E.)
- Secondary English Education (B.A.E.)
- Secondary Social Studies Education (B.A.E.)
- STEM Education (B.S.E.)
Source: UK 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, College of Education (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering17
- Biomedical Engineering (B.S.)
- Chemical Engineering (Paducah) (B.S.)
- Chemical Engineering (B.S.)
- Materials Engineering (B.S.)
- Civil Engineering (B.S.)
- Artificial Intelligence (B.S.)
- Computer Science (B.S.)
- Computer Engineering (B.S.)
- Electrical Engineering (B.S.)
- Computer Engineering Technology (Paducah) (B.S.)
- Computer Engineering Technology (B.S.)
- Lean Systems Engineering Technology (B.S.)
- Aerospace Engineering (B.S.)
- Mechanical Engineering (Paducah) (B.S.)
- Mechanical Engineering (B.S.)
- Mining Engineering (B.S.)
- Biosystems Engineering (B.S.)
Source: UK 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Fine Arts13
- Art Education (B.A.)
- Art History & Visual Studies (B.A.)
- Art Studio (B.A.)
- Film and Sonic Art (B.A.)
- Art Studio (B.F.A.)
- Digital Media Design (B.S.)
- Music (B.A.)
- Music Education (B.M.)
- Music Performance (B.M.)
- Arts Administration (B.A.)
- Music Industry (B.A.)
- Dance (B.A.)
- Theatre (B.A.)
Source: UK 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, College of Fine Arts (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Health Sciences4
- Communication Sciences and Disorders (B.H.S.)
- Clinical Leadership and Management (B.H.S.)
- Medical Laboratory Science (B.H.S.)
- Human Health Sciences (B.S.)
Source: UK 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, College of Health Sciences (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Nursing4
- Nursing (A.B.S.N.)
- Surgical First Assistant (B.S.)
- Nursing (B.S.N.)
- Nursing (R.N.-B.S.N.)
Source: UK 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, College of Nursing (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Pharmacy1
- Pharmaceutical Sciences (B.S.)
Source: UK 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, College of Pharmacy (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Public Health1
- Public Health (B.P.H.)
Source: UK 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, College of Public Health (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Social Work3
- Criminal Justice (B.A.)
- Social Work (B.A.)
- Criminal Justice (B.S.)
Source: UK 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, College of Social Work (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Martin School of Public Policy and Administration1
- Public Policy (B.A.)
Source: Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, BA in Public Policy (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Deadlines for Fall 2027
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
| Plan | Apply by | Decision | Binding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Action | December 1 | not published | No |
| Regular Decision | February 15 | not published | No |
December 1 is also the deadline for competitive and academic scholarships and the Lewis Honors College, for Early Action applicants only. The FAFSA priority deadline is March 1, the enrollment deposit is due May 1, Living Learning Program applications May 15 and the housing and dining application June 1. A deadline on a weekend moves to 11:59 p.m. Eastern the next Monday. UK does not publish decision dates.
Source: UK Office of Undergraduate Admission, Admission Checklist (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Testing
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
ACT or SAT scores are not required for admission, but you may send them, and UK says it is test-optional through the 2028-29 academic year. Scores you send must be official, from the testing agency or on your official high school transcript. UK accepts the ACT composite with or without the optional science section.
Source: UK Office of Undergraduate Admission, Admission Checklist (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
The Common Data Set also marks the SAT or ACT as not required but considered if submitted for fall 2027 applicants.
Source: UK Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C8. Read Oct 1, 2026.
Applying next year?
For students applying in fall 2027, entering fall 2028
Not announced yet. When we checked UK's admission pages on October 1, 2026, we found no announced changes for fall 2028 entry. The deadlines and rules above are for fall 2027 entry.
Source: UK Office of Undergraduate Admission, Freshman Admission (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Cost, and what families paid after aid
The published cost of a year at UK, 2026-2027:
| Item | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and fees | $14,178 | $35,846 |
| Food and housing (on campus) | $17,048 | $17,048 |
| Books and supplies | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Travel | $2,592 | $3,418 |
| Personal expenses | $3,240 | $3,240 |
| Loan origination fees | $86 | $86 |
| Total | $38,344 | $60,838 |
For an undergraduate living on campus without dependents, fall and spring. College of Design students pay an extra $686 program fee each semester.
Source: UK Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, Estimated Cost of Attendance 2026-2027 (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Average net price per year, by family income, 2023-24:
| Family income | Paid after grants |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $12,182 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $12,119 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $16,313 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $21,192 |
| Over $110,000 | $26,781 |
| All incomes | $18,851 |
What first-year, full-time, in-state students who received federal aid paid after grants and scholarships, by family income, in 2023-24, the latest year the Department of Education publishes. Your own price comes from UK's aid offer.
Source: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Similar schools
Chosen for how close each is to University of Kentucky on acceptance rate, public or private, location and majors offered.
University of MississippiOxford, MS · Public97.4% admitted$13,314 average net price
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, AL · Public94.2% admitted$18,749 average net price
University of LouisvilleLouisville, KY · Public79.4% admitted$17,988 average net price
Mississippi State UniversityStarkville, MS · Public83.6% admitted$17,595 average net price
University of KansasLawrence, KS · Public92.6% admitted$18,059 average net price
Admitted: each school's latest first-year acceptance rate, so the year can differ from school to school; each school's page names its year and source. Average net price: what federal aid recipients paid per year after grants, 2023-24, and the in-state figure for a public university.