Head-to-Head Comparison
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs University of Kentucky
- Tennessee-Knoxville Wins
- 25
- Tied
- 17
- Kentucky Wins
- 10
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Kentucky offers a significantly safer investment tier. While The University of Tennessee-Knoxville achieves a higher graduation rate (74% vs 71%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $18,976 compared to University of Kentucky's $18,851 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Kentucky benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $59,025 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Tennessee-Knoxville
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $60,249 ten years after enrollment, 2% more than University of Kentucky
- Higher grad rate: 74% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 42% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Kentucky
- Lower cost: Average net price of $18,851, roughly $125 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Tennessee-Knoxville graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (30% of degrees); Kentucky in Business & Marketing (23%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick The University of Tennessee-Knoxville over University of Kentucky. Median earnings of $60,249 ten years after enrollment vs $59,025.
Pick University of Kentucky over The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Net price $18,851 vs $18,976.
Pick The University of Tennessee-Knoxville over University of Kentucky. 74% completion rate vs 71%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and University of Kentucky are close on paper, but The University of Tennessee-Knoxville wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is the harder admit. It takes 42% of applicants, while University of Kentucky takes 93%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,311 to 1,215.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of Kentucky comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $18,851, about $125 a year below The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's $18,976. Graduates of The University of Tennessee-Knoxville also borrow less: median debt of $20,500, against $22,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $500 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Kentucky leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates report median earnings of $60,249, compared with $59,025 at University of Kentucky. That is a 2% advantage. Set against borrowing, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.34x to 0.38x.
So what: An earnings gap of 2% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates a larger share of its students, 74% versus 71%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 3% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Kentucky to keep costs and debt down; pick The University of Tennessee-Knoxville for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Kentucky saves about $125 a year, yet The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates earn $1,224 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Tennessee-Knoxville competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Engineering-focused students: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Tennessee-Knoxville holds onto its admits more tightly: 30% of admitted students enroll, versus 22% at Kentucky — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Kentucky, where only about 57% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN · Public
With an enrollment of over 30,000 students, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville is a vibrant place for those looking for a large campus experience. It’s especially suitable for students interested in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Communications, and Health Professions. The acceptance rate of 42% means it’s competitive, but still accessible for many. Students here can expect a lively atmosphere filled with diverse opportunities for learning and engagement.
After graduation, students can look forward to strong earning potential. Those who earn their degree can expect to make about $60,249 within a decade of finishing their studies. This figure provides a solid foundation for those looking to build their careers. The affordability of attending is also noteworthy, with a net price of $18,976 after financial aid. While the Pell Grant rate stands at 19%, it indicates that there are financial support options available for those who qualify.
When it comes to the financial picture, the median debt sits at $20,500, which is manageable for many graduates considering their earning potential. The combination of reasonable costs and solid outcomes means that students who thrive here are often those who take advantage of the resources available to them, engage with their studies, and actively participate in campus life. Overall, it’s a place where students can find both academic and personal growth.
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 25,000 students, the University of Kentucky in Lexington caters to a diverse range of learners. It's particularly suitable for those interested in fields like Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Engineering, Communications, and Education. A 93% acceptance rate means that many students can find a place here, making it accessible for a broad spectrum of applicants.
After graduation, students can expect to earn around $59,025 within ten years, which is a solid starting point for many. This figure suggests that a degree from UK can lead to stable career opportunities, especially for those who excel in their programs. The affordability factor also plays a crucial role; with a net price of $18,851, it remains a feasible option for many families, particularly given that 23% of students receive Pell Grants, which help lower the cost of attendance for those in need.
When it comes to managing finances, the median debt for graduates stands at $22,500, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. Students who thrive here tend to be those who take advantage of the resources and support available, whether it's through academic advising or career services. This environment encourages growth and provides pathways for success, making it an appealing choice for students looking to balance affordability with a solid educational foundation.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Kentucky is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Kentucky ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 30% of Tennessee-Knoxville's student body and 23% of Kentucky's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Tennessee-Knoxville) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Kentucky).
Tennessee-Knoxville
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or University of Kentucky?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is harder to get into, admitting 42% of applicants compared with 93% at University of Kentucky.
Which is more affordable, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or University of Kentucky?
University of Kentucky is more affordable, with an average net price of $18,851 after aid versus $18,976 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Do The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or University of Kentucky graduates earn more?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates earn more: median earnings of $60,249 ten years after enrollment, versus $59,025 at University of Kentucky.
Which has a better graduation rate, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or University of Kentucky?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has the higher graduation rate, 74% versus 71%.
Should you choose The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or University of Kentucky?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Kentucky if affordability and lower debt come first; choose The University of Tennessee-Knoxville if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Tennessee-Knoxville and Kentucky stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
