Karia Kiritbhai Study Abroad Course Expert
Study Abroad Course Expert | Updated On - Sep 18, 2025
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 Tennessee located in Knoxville is a flagship public research university with roughly 35,000 students. Admissions are somewhat selective with an acceptance rate of about 46%. Flagship programs include Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, and Agriculture. The graduation rate is about 70-73% and graduates often make early career pay of INR 35-39 lakhs per year ($42,000-$47,000).
| University of Kentucky | University of Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.3 Out of 10 | 4.8 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 781 QS World University 2026 # 321 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 401 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 607 QS World University 2026 # 232 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 301 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 | # 126 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 327 for Medicine by QS World University 2024 # 55 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -83 PG Programs -59 Doctorate Programs -19 | UG Programs -126 PG Programs -57 Doctorate Programs -63 |
| Acceptance Rate | 92.4 % | 46.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6 SAT-1080 TOEFL-71 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1140 TOEFL-80 |
| 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 30977 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 31116 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 27058 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. | Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: MBA: $105,000 Bachelor of Arts: $81,000 Masters in Science: $79,000 Bachelor of Science: $69,000 |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts, Submit English language requirements, Check program specific requirements | Submit self reported academic scores Submit one recommendation letter Submit English language proficiency scores Check program specific requirements |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 8.4/10 Read 4 reviews | 8.2/10 Read 2 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 | # 49 for Business by US News 2025 # 251 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 301 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | GMAT - 630/800GRE - 311/340IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 79/120 | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -47679 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - |
| application dates | Jan 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake) | Oct 15, 2025 (Application Deadline Round 1) Dec 15, 2025 (Application Deadline Round 2) Jun 1, 2026 (Final Application Deadline) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Kentucky | University of Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1865 | 1794 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 17:1 |
| Male:Female | 45% Male, 55% Female | 50% Male, 50% 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. | University of tennessee, Knoxville is the main campus of the university of tennessee system and is present in Knoxville. |
| 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 UT Libraries supports the teaching, research, and service mission of the university and enhances the academic experience of each student at the Knoxville campus – through outstanding print and electronic collections, reference and instructional services, and top-notch facilities and technological resources. |
| 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. | Student Life offices are dedicated to creating and hosting events and spaces that are welcoming to all students. By engaging students, faculty, and staff in meaningful conversations, the university makes sure all students feel like they matter and belong on campus.The University of Tennessee has over 450 registered student organizations. These groups cater to a variety of interests and provide options for those interested in service, sports, arts, social activities, government, politics, cultural issues, and Greek societies. The university also offers a number of recreational sports, many offering intercollegiate play. Sports include lacrosse, rugby, soccer, wrestling, hockey, running, crew, golf, ballroom dance, and paintball. |
| Hostel | #Housing & Food (with dependents) - $13070 #Housing & Food - $15912 #Housing & Food (without dependents) - $16016 #Housing & Food (with Parents) - $9610 | #On campus - $10696 #Off campus (not with family) - $10696 #Off campus (with family) - $5666 |
| 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 | Peyton Manning, Hall of Fame NFL quarterback Dixie Carter, actress Candace Parker, professional women's basketball player Paul Finebaum, sports author and television and radio personality Scott Kelly, astronaut |
| 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. | Sitting on the banks of the Tennessee River, Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee. But this city is more than just a college town. It's a multicultural community that embraces an array of pastimes. Downtown Knoxville is full of interesting shops like the independent Union Ave Books and the old-time Mast General Store, as well as the popular Market Square. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, both within a 90-minute drive of the city, are beautiful places to go for a hike, as is Ijams Nature Center, which is closer to downtown. Residents enjoy a cost of living that's lower than the national average, which is reflected in reasonable housing, utility and transportation costs. The average cost of a home and the average monthly rent are well below those of many other large metro areas. |
| Weather |
University of Kentucky vs University of Tennessee
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
The University of Tennessee (UT Knoxville) typically holds a global ranking of approximately 400–500, notably strong in Supply Chain Management, Business, Nuclear Engineering, and Agriculture. The University of Kentucky (UK), on the other hand, generally ranks within 500–600, recognized for its Pharmacy, Medicine, Agriculture, and Engineering programs. Overall, UT has a wider national reputation for Business and Engineering, while UK excels in Healthcare and Pharmacy.
General Information
UT Knoxville was founded in 1794 and is one of the oldest public universities in the United States, as well as the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system, with approximately 35,000 students and it's located in Knoxville. The University of Kentucky was founded in 1865, in Lexington, and has a student enrollment of approximately 32,000, serving as the state's flagship institution because of its medical center and emphasis on Agriculture among the various programs. As SEC institutions with proud traditions, both universities have similarities: with UT receiving slightly higher national recognition.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
UT has an acceptance rate of approximately 46%, so as a fair selective admission rate relative to others, but entry for Engineering, Business, and Nursing is relatively more competitive. The University of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of approximately 92%, but is also selective for its Nursing and Pharmacy programs. Overall, Tennessee is the more competitive public institution overall, while Kentucky is very accessible overall, but highly selective at its respective health programs.
Research Impact & Facilities
Both are R1 research universities. UT stands out for engineering research, especially in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (one of the most significant U.S. federal research facilities). It also invests heavily in supply chain and business research. UK specializes in health sciences, pharmacy, agriculture, and cancer research, anchored by its large medical campus. Tennessee leads in energy and engineering research collaborations, while Kentucky dominates in healthcare and applied life sciences regionally.
Cost & Financial Aid
International tuition at both universities averages around $31,000–35,000 annually. Living costs in Knoxville and Lexington are both affordable compared to major U.S. urban centers. Both offer merit-based scholarships; UT emphasizes business, leadership, and STEM awards, while UK prioritizes healthcare and state-need scholarships.
Career Destinations & Graduates' Success
UT graduates are well-placed in supply chain, logistics, business, and engineering, with many opportunities linked to Oak Ridge and corporate networks in Tennessee. UK graduates succeed in healthcare, pharmacy, agriculture, and engineering, supported by the university’s medical center and regional industry links. Tennessee offers wider recognition in business and engineering nationally, while Kentucky is stronger for careers in health sciences and pharmacy.
