Is the University of Kentucky a Good School?

Searching for the right college or university can be a daunting task; and one that requires a lot of research and scouting. It may be a challenge to narrow down the search based on just your personal preferences and academic scores to ultimately find the perfect school for you.

School stats and rankings can assist you with this choice, as well as programs offered and tuition costs.

The University of Kentucky ranks high in many academic categories, as well as extracurriculars. Being a state university they are a preferable choice for in-state residents of Kentucky as well. They offer an Honors program and the Lewis Honors College.

These are just a few examples of what the University of Kentucky has to offer. There is always more you can learn about a school. The more information you have, the better equipped you are in your decision-making when picking between a shortlist of good prospects.

Commonwealth Stadium, University of Kentucky Wildcats

What Makes the University of Kentucky a Good School?

The University of Kentucky could be a great experience for a number of students. The unique dynamics and culture of the university could check the boxes of many individuals in the pursuit of higher education.

When considering the University of Kentucky as a prospect for furthering your education, there are a few things that you need to know to make a well-rounded, fact-based decision.

Rankings
Tuition
Student Life
Extracurriculars

My experience with Kentucky so far has been great the staff really communicate with you . And I feel like I’ve made an excellent choice in picking where to continue my education I’m hoping to have a great year there and be able to peruse my passion which is helping people.
Niche.com

School Rankings in Academics

University of Kentucky (UK) has a number of high rankings when it comes to education. Depending on the program that you want to enter into and ultimately get your degree, the UK may be the school for you. Keep in mind that each ranking is based on a specific degree program within the school.

If you’re wanting to pursue a career in education, medicine, business or public policy the rankings for the University of Kentucky are some of the top in the nation.

#1 for the College of Arts & Sciences, Department of Hispanic Studies
#3 for the College of Arts & Sciences, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
#4 for the Martin School of Public Policy & Administration/ College of Communication & Information
#5 for the Gatton College of Business & Economics

For a full list of the UK’s ranking, you can visit the University of Kentucky school website.

Tuition Costs (In-state/Out-of-state)

One of the biggest deciding factors for any prospective student is whether or not they can afford to attend. There are scholarships, grants, and financial aid that can assist a great number of students if they decide to apply.

If you don’t qualify for assistance but you still want to attend a school, it’s important to know what your financial responsibility will be.

University of Kentucky’s in-state tuition is 50% higher than the national average when it comes to public 4-year tuition at $12,360. It doesn’t rank in the affordable out-of-state tuition costs either. Out-of-state tuition costs for UK land at $30,680.

You also want to include other costs like room and board. On-campus accommodations will run you $13,210, off-campus accommodations will be slightly less at $11,434.

So, for just tuition and housing, you’re looking at anywhere between $42,114-$43,890 for out-of-state students. Keep in mind that none of these numbers include other costs like textbooks, school supplies, transportation, school and activity fees.

Student Life

Considering that you will be spending a majority of your time over the next two to four years at a college or university campus, you want to be sure the institution you plan on attending has a rich and enjoyable campus life.

One in which you can find your niche and experience your college years to the fullest extent.

The University of Kentucky ranks #96 of 1,612 in ‘Colleges with the Best Student Life in America’. They boast of 100+ social events at any given time, a thriving Greek life ranked #86 of 824, and an array of resource groups for lgbtqia+, disabilities, veterans, and more.

They’ve received excellent reviews from current and/or former students on their on-campus accommodations and quality of food.

Though the University of Kentucky does not rank too high up on the list of top party colleges in the nation, they still fall at a respectable ranking of #78 out of 1,612. As far as the state of Kentucky is concerned, they are first in this category.

I really enjoy attending University of Kentucky, but I do believe there is still some room for improvement both through administration and the student social life scene. UK is very good at being such a diverse school which is rare to find in a southern school like itself, but I think there is room for improvement for academic resources that really take the time to help you one on one
Niche.com

Extracurriculars

An important part of campus life is the extracurriculars offered at the university. This includes clubs, student organizations, greek community, and athletics.

This facet of the college experience allows a student to explore their interests further or add to their existing degree program. For some, it can be the driving force for having selected a school in the first place.

This is true most of all when it comes to athletics. The University of Kentucky has a men’s basketball program ranking #10 in the nation as of the 2021-2022 preseason.

They have won 13 NAACP team national championships. University of Kentucky football doesn’t fall too far behind at #23 in college football playoff rankings.

The University of Kentucky offers over 600 student organizations from academic interest to fine arts to student government. With that amount of clubs to choose from, you would be hard-pressed not to find an avenue for your interests or further education.

Conclusion

Now that you have a well-rounded review of the University of Kentucky, you can make a fact-based decision on your level of interest in the school. This may drive you to do a bit more research into specific degree programs or student organizations or conduct a deep dive into the options for financial assistance to see what is plausible.

Perhaps the University of Kentucky was already on your radar and the information provided helped to solidify your decision. Whatever the outcome, the journey through college will not only set you up for your future but be an experience you will always remember.

Sources

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the College Reality Check. 

Is the University of Kentucky a Good School?