Karia Kiritbhai Study Abroad Course Expert
Study Abroad Course Expert
The University of Kentucky, located in Lexington, is a large public research university with approximately 36,000 students. Admissions are moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 92%. Its strongest programs include Pharmacy, Engineering, Business, and Health Sciences. The graduation rate is around 65–68%, and graduates report early career salaries of approximately INR 34–38 lakhs per annum ($41,000–46,000).
The University of Arkansas, based in Fayetteville, is a flagship public research university with around 30,000 students. Admissions are similarly open, with an acceptance rate of approximately 72%. Flagship programs include Business, Architecture, Agriculture, and Engineering. The graduation rate is around 64–67%, and graduates typically earn early career wages of INR 32–36 lakhs annually ($39,000–44,000).
| University of Kentucky | University of Arkansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.3 Out of 10 | 4.2 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 401 Times Higher Education 2026 # 781 QS World University 2026 # 321 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 601 Times Higher Education 2026 # 1001 QS World University 2026 # 501 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 97 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 401 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 68 for Law by US News 2025 | # 106 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 601 for Medicine by Times Higher Education 2023 # 115 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -83 PG Programs -59 Doctorate Programs -19 | UG Programs -63 PG Programs -56 |
| Acceptance Rate | 92.4 % | 71.7 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6 SAT-1080 TOEFL-71 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1110 TOEFL-79 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 29050 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 30126.25 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 54608 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 24468 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 28348 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 25512 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: Bachelor of Science: $77,000 Bachelor (Other): $65,000 Bachelor of Arts: $58,000 Some of the top employers of the university graduates are: PwC, Ernst & Young, Fidelity Investments, University of Kentucky, Amazon, Dell Technologies, Arrive Logistics, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co, Kroger, UK HealthCare etc. | 93.3% of MBA students get employed within 3 months of graduation. Average starting salary for the graduates is around $80,454. The average undergraduate salary for the business programs ranges between $45,438 to $61,887. |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts, Submit English language requirements, Check program specific requirements | Submit academic transcripts Submit statement of purpose Submit English language scores Check program specific requirements |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 8.4/10 Read 4 reviews | 7.8/10 Read 1 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 61 for Business by US News 2025 # 501 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 551 for Business by QS World University 2024 | # 50 for Business by US News 2025 # 401 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | GMAT - 630/800GRE - 311/340IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 79/120 | Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 79/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -47679 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -38286 |
| application dates | Jan 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake) | Feb 15, 2026 (Priority Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Mar 15, 2026 (Final Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Kentucky | University of Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1865 | 1871 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 19:1 |
| Male:Female | 45% Male, 55% Female | 47% Male, 53% Female |
| Location Facts | The University of Kentucky is located in the city of Lexington, which is about 80 miles south of Cincinnati and 200 miles northeast of Nashville. | The university's picturesque campus is located in Fayetteville in the hilly northwest corner of Arkansas and includes two arboreta overlooking the Ozark Mountains. |
| Library | UK Libraries’ mission is to ignite the human drive to discover, create, and connect by facilitating access to information, empowering learners, and collaborating with the communities to advance knowledge, enhance scholarship, and preserve the history and culture of the Commonwealth. | The library system of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, includes the David W. Mullins Library, the main research facility on campus, and four branch libraries: The Robert A. and Vivian Young Law Library, The Fine Arts Library, The Chemistry and Biochemistry Library, The Physics Library. With 2.1 million volumes and more than 56,000 journal titles, students will find research material for every subject. Other resources in the collections include several thousand maps, manuscripts, and more than 33,000 audio and visual materials, including music scores, recordings, and movies, available through the Performing Arts and Media Department on the lower-level of Mullins Library. |
| Campus Life | The University of Kentucky provides you with a world-class education, filled with the possibility of new ideas and learning experiences that will prepare you for the future. But life on campus also offers plenty of other experiences beyond what takes place solely in a classroom. With more than 500 student organizations, there's an activity for you at the University of Kentucky. Join an intramural athletic team, even if you’re not an athlete. Give back through the Center for Community Outreach and its programs like DanceBlue, a 24 hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon to raise money for the DanceBlue Kentucky Children’s Hospital Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic and cancer research. UK's Living Learning Program allows you to live and study subjects and topics with other students right in your residence hall. Outside your room, you can explore dozens of great dining options ranging from home-cooking to international fare. And you can stay in shape at one of the two state-of-the-art student fitness centers – Alumni Gym, located in the Gatton Student Center, or the Johnson Center; both feature the latest workout equipment, group fitness classes, and more all within walking distance of your residence hall. | The University of Arkansas offers a vibrant campus life that is culturally, intellectually and socially enriching. On the campus, you'll find 380 registered student organizations, from special interests to professional groups, as well as 33 Greek organizations, making it easy and rewarding to get involved. Every semester offers opportunities to attend musical performances, theater productions, art exhibits, concerts, free films, poetry readings, visiting speakers and hundreds of other events. Registered student organizations (RSOs) provide students the opportunity to develop organizations based on shared interests. Students are able to create, govern, budget and plan their own organizations and events. Current RSOs can be academic, religious, Greek, professional or grounded in special interests. And if you don’t find one you like, you can even start your own. The Center for Community Engagement offers service programs for students, student groups, faculty, and staff. Programs include food programs, mentorship, and several volunteer opportunities through the Volunteer Action Center. The Multicultural Center exists to enhance the University of Arkansas academic experience by preparing students for life in a diverse society. |
| Hostel | #Housing & Food (with dependents) - $13070 #Housing & Food - $15912 #Housing & Food (without dependents) - $16016 #Housing & Food (with Parents) - $9610 | #On campus - $10704 #Off campus (not with family) - $10704 #Off campus (with family) - $4104 |
| Famous Alumni | Don Ball, Founder of Ball Homes Wendell Cherry, Founder of Humana Joe Craft, CEO of Alliance Resource Partners, a large coal producer, and philanthropist Carol Martin "Bill" Gatton, Businessman and major contributor to the university Rodney McMullen, CEO of The Kroger Company Chris T. Sullivan, Founder of Outback Steakhouse | George W. Bond – president of Louisiana Tech University 1929–1936 Steve Atwater – 2020 NFL Hall of Fame inductee, eight-time Pro Bowl NFL defensive back |
| City Life | Lexington blends influences from the South and Midwest to create a cultural identity all its own. A college town, Lexington is home to the University of Kentucky, which is the city's largest school and employer. The university plays an important role in the city by providing a constant influx of young, educated people into the culture and economy. Lexington is serious about college basketball. Residents support the University of Kentucky Wildcats with a fervor that surpasses the fan base of some professional teams. Kentucky fans camp out for tickets to "Big Blue Madness," the official kickoff to the season, which features an exhibition-style team scrimmage. When UK is playing, streets and restaurants are deserted, and when they win a national championship, the downtown streets look like New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Lexington's population is growing, which has contributed to a slow increase in the cost of living. Despite this, Lexington is still very affordable compared with other metro areas around the country. Due to the city's large college population, rental housing is abundant and inexpensive. Whether renting or purchasing a home, your dollar will go further in Lexington than in many other U.S. cities. However, like with many other metro areas in the country, housing prices in Lexington have seen an increase in recent years. | Fayetteville is a vibrant, progressive community with cosmopolitan entertainment options and a small-town feel. Home to the University of Arkansas, and located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville in one of the fastest growing areas of the United States and has twice been named among the Best Places to Live in the US by US News and World Report. The community offers a wealth of options for work, entertainment, exploration, and education. Each year Fayetteville Parks and Recreation workers spend over 3,300 hours decorating the Downtown Square with more than 400,000 lights. Lighting night, held in mid-November, includes a holiday parade, music, and more. The square remains illuminated from mid-November to December 31. |
| Weather |
University of Kentucky vs University of Arkansas
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
The University of Kentucky (UK) usually ranks in the global top 500 to 600. It stands out in Pharmacy, Medicine, Agriculture, and Engineering. The University of Arkansas (UArk) typically ranks in the global top 600 to 700 and is known for Business (Sam M. Walton College of Business), Agriculture, Supply Chain Management, and Engineering. Kentucky has a strong reputation in health sciences, while Arkansas is recognized for its business and logistics programs.
General Information
Founded in 1865, the University of Kentucky is a major public university in Lexington. It has about 32,000 students and a strong focus on research and healthcare. The University of Arkansas started in 1871 in Fayetteville and serves over 30,000 students. Its location in Northwest Arkansas gives it close ties to major companies like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
The University of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of about 92%, which makes it generally easy to get into. However, some programs, like Nursing and Pharmacy, are very competitive. The University of Arkansas has a similar acceptance rate of around 72%, but its business, supply chain, and engineering programs are more selective. Both schools attract students from the region and around the world. Arkansas also has strong industry connections that help with admissions.
Research Impact & Facilities
The University of Kentucky is an R1 research university with top facilities in medicine, pharmacy, cancer research, and agriculture. It runs a major medical center and research hospital. The University of Arkansas is also R1 and focuses on supply chain management, materials science, and business innovation, backed by corporate partnerships. Both universities emphasize applied research but in different areas.
Cost & Financial Aid
For international students, tuition averages $32,000 to $35,000 per year at Kentucky and $27,000 to $30,000 at Arkansas, making Arkansas more affordable. Living costs are similar, but Lexington is slightly more expensive than Fayetteville. Both universities offer merit-based scholarships for domestic and international students. Arkansas provides strong support for business majors, while Kentucky offers significant aid in health-related programs.
Career Destinations & Graduates' Success
Kentucky graduates often pursue careers in healthcare, pharmacy, agriculture, and engineering. They benefit from the university’s medical and research resources. Arkansas graduates do very well in business, logistics, supply chain management, and engineering, thanks to strong corporate ties. Kentucky has wider recognition in health sciences, while Arkansas has an advantage in business and jobs in the corporate sector.
