U of K vs The University of Alabama (UA)

Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed institutions: the University of Kentucky (UK) and The University of Alabama (UA). Both universities offer a wealth of opportunities, yet they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your academic journey. UK, nestled in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky, boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a diverse student body from various backgrounds. UA, situated in the vibrant city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, stands out with its lower acceptance rate, indicating a highly selective admissions process. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover further distinctions, including popular majors, graduation rates, and student demographics. Discover which university aligns with your aspirations and empowers you to thrive in your chosen field.

	The University of Alabama	University of Kentucky
Overview
Location	Tuscaloosa, Alabama	Lexington, Kentucky
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	89.0%	86.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	78.9%	94.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $65	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $65
SAT range	1070 - 1370	1083 - 1330
ACT range	21 - 31	22 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	17.0%	10.0%
Students submitting ACT score	63.0%	70.0%
Total number of applicants	42,421	21,695
Total number of admissions given out	33,472	20,396
Admitted students who chose to enroll	7,593	4,721
Yield rate	22.7%	23.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $31,024 Out of state: $50,494	In state: $31,690 Out of state: $50,688
Average net price	$21,263	$20,043
Tuition	In state: $10,780 Out of state: $30,250	In state: $11,247 Out of state: $30,245
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,900 Meal plan: $4,234	Room/dormitory: $9,650 Meal plan: $4,536
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	76.0% Average amount $16,363	92.0% Average amount $11,623
Students receiving federal student loan	37.0% Average amount $5,221	41.0% Average amount $5,177
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $23,617	9.0% Average amount $19,204

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	31,685 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%	21,900 Men 43.1% Women 56.9%
Graduate students	6,631 Men 36.9% Women 63.1%	8,490 Men 37.7% Women 62.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	62.2%	N/A
International students	3.0%	4.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	9,385	7,294
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Alabama Georgia Illinois Texas Tennessee	Ohio Illinois Georgia Tennessee

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Engineering Family and Consumer Sciences Education	Health Professions Education Engineering Business Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	19:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	72.2%	68.2%
Dropout rate	7.7%	30.6%
Transferred out	18.8%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $104,741 Year 2: $119,061 Year 3: $121,674 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,175 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $101,082 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,913 Year 2: $80,004 Year 3: $96,574 Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,715 Year 2: $91,744 Year 3: $89,742 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,858 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $83,044 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,725 Year 2: $75,832 Year 3: $82,831 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $75,975 Year 2: $75,921 Year 3: $82,382 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,535 Year 2: $90,412 Year 3: $81,427 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,760 Year 2: $65,281 Year 3: $76,647 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $62,913 Year 2: $60,771 Year 3: $76,479	Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $106,223 Year 2: $114,892 Year 3: $134,605 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $81,971 Year 2: $114,730 Year 3: $122,422 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $101,348 Year 2: $116,083 Year 3: $111,861 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $99,330 Year 2: $92,277 Year 3: $102,019 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,048 Year 2: $93,555 Year 3: $98,399 Mining and Mineral Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $83,128 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,062 Year 2: $62,260 Year 3: $78,282 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,632 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $76,500 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $71,089 Year 2: $70,512 Year 3: $74,487 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,465 Year 2: $68,666 Year 3: $72,801

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Kentucky (UK) and The University of Alabama (UA)?

The University of Kentucky (UK) and The University of Alabama (UA) are both large, public universities in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), but they differ in several key aspects. UK is located in Lexington, Kentucky, a city known for its horse farms and bourbon distilleries, while UA is situated in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a city with a strong focus on college life and Southern charm. Academically, UK has a renowned medical center and strong programs in pharmacy and agriculture, while UA is known for its communication, business, and engineering programs. Culturally, UK offers a blend of Southern and Midwestern influences, while UA embodies a more traditional Southern college experience. Finally, UA generally has a larger student body and a more prominent football program, which significantly shapes its campus culture.
Which university, UK or UA, is more selective in its admissions process?

The University of Alabama generally has a slightly higher acceptance rate than the University of Kentucky, suggesting that UK may be marginally more selective. However, both universities are considered moderately selective, and admission depends on a combination of factors, including GPA, standardized test scores (if required), extracurricular activities, and essays. It's best to check the most recent admission statistics on each university's website for the most up-to-date information.
How do the costs of attending UK and UA compare?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status. Generally, for in-state students, the University of Kentucky may have a slightly lower tuition cost compared to The University of Alabama. However, out-of-state tuition at UA can sometimes be more competitive due to scholarship opportunities. It's crucial to check the official websites of both universities for the most current tuition and fees information, as well as to explore available financial aid and scholarship options, which can significantly impact the overall cost.
Which university has a stronger reputation for specific academic programs?

The University of Kentucky is particularly well-regarded for its programs in healthcare, including medicine, pharmacy, and nursing, as well as its agriculture and equine studies programs. The University of Alabama, on the other hand, is highly recognized for its communication and journalism programs, its business school, and its engineering programs. Both universities offer a wide range of strong academic programs, so it's best to research the specific departments and faculty within your intended major to determine which university aligns best with your academic goals.
What is the campus culture like at UK versus UA?

The University of Kentucky offers a campus culture that blends Southern hospitality with a more diverse and research-oriented environment. Lexington provides a balance of city life and access to the surrounding natural beauty of Kentucky. The University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, has a more traditional Southern college atmosphere, heavily influenced by its successful football program. UA's campus life is known for its strong sense of community, Greek life, and school spirit. Both universities offer a wide range of student organizations and activities, but the overall feel and emphasis differ.
How do the cities of Lexington (UK) and Tuscaloosa (UA) compare?

Lexington, Kentucky, is a larger city than Tuscaloosa, Alabama, offering a wider range of cultural attractions, dining options, and job opportunities. Lexington is known for its horse farms, bourbon distilleries, and a vibrant arts scene. Tuscaloosa, on the other hand, is a classic college town where the university is the central focus. It offers a more intimate and close-knit community feel, with a strong emphasis on college life and Southern traditions. The choice between the two cities depends on your preference for a larger, more diverse urban environment versus a smaller, more college-centric town.
What types of financial aid and scholarships are available at UK and UA?

Both the University of Kentucky and The University of Alabama offer a variety of financial aid options, including federal student loans, grants, and work-study programs. They also provide merit-based and need-based scholarships. The University of Alabama is known for offering competitive merit-based scholarships to attract high-achieving students, particularly non-residents. It's essential to visit the financial aid websites of both universities to explore the specific scholarships and application requirements. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in determining your eligibility for financial aid at both institutions.
How does the size of the student body compare between UK and UA?

The University of Alabama generally has a larger student body than the University of Kentucky. This difference in size can impact the overall campus experience, with UA potentially offering a wider range of social opportunities and resources due to its larger scale. However, UK's slightly smaller size may foster a more close-knit community feel in some departments and organizations. Consider whether you prefer a larger, more diverse student body or a smaller, more intimate campus environment when making your decision.
What are the athletic programs like at UK and UA?

Both the University of Kentucky and The University of Alabama are members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and have strong athletic programs. The University of Alabama is particularly renowned for its football program, which has a long history of national championships. The University of Kentucky is known for its basketball program, which also has a rich tradition and passionate fan base. Both universities offer a wide range of other varsity sports, providing ample opportunities for student-athletes and fans alike. The emphasis on specific sports and the overall athletic culture differ between the two institutions.
Which university is better for international students?

Both the University of Kentucky and The University of Alabama welcome international students and offer resources to support their academic and personal success. Both universities have international student services offices that provide assistance with visa requirements, housing, cultural adjustment, and academic advising. The 'best' university for an international student depends on their specific academic interests, financial situation, and preferred campus environment. It's recommended that international students research the specific programs and support services offered by each university to determine which best meets their needs.

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