University of Kentucky Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the College Scholarships Hub • See Kentucky state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~93% (CDS 2024–25)
- Middle 50% ACT: 21–28
- Middle 50% SAT: 1070–1270
- Average HS GPA: 3.58 (unweighted)
Source: University of Kentucky Common Data Set 2024–25. Middle 50% = range for half of enrolled freshmen.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UK at a Glance
Last verified: October 14, 2025
The University of Kentucky offers generous automatic scholarships and in-state value through KEES, CAP Grants, and flagship awards. Out-of-state students can earn large merit packages—often worth up to $12,500 a year—through the Bluegrass Spirit program or the Academic Common Market.
This page breaks down what UK really costs, how automatic and competitive scholarships stack, and how Kentucky families can combine state aid with university merit to minimize their total bill.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes. UK is test-optional for admission and scholarships (through 2028–29). Students may submit scores for higher award tiers, but GPA alone can qualify.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 21–28; SAT 1070–1270 (UK CDS 2024–25, enrolled freshmen).
What’s the average net price? $18,736 (College Scorecard 2025).
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — UK participates in the Academic Common Market and offers non-resident merit like the Bluegrass Spirit Scholarship.
https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/academic-scholarships/incoming-freshmen-scholarships
https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/academic-scholarships
https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/cost-attendance
https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/university-of-kentucky-bluegrass-spirit-awards
https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/180399-university-of-kentucky-bluegrass-spirit-scholarship
https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/university-of-kentucky-presidential-scholarship
https://www.collegexpress.com/scholarships/otis-a-singletary-scholarship/10910/
https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/sch
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Kentucky (2025–2026)
The figures below reflect direct, billed costs—what families actually pay the University of Kentucky for tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meals for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus in Lexington.
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $13,907 | $35,164 |
| Housing & Meals | $14,068 | $14,068 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $27,975 | $49,232 |
Why only these items? These figures include the core costs billed directly by the university: tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and the default meal plan. Other estimated expenses—like books (~$1,000), transportation (~$2,000), and personal costs (~$2,400)—vary widely by student and are not included here.
📉 Average Net Price (after aid)
According to federal data, the average net price for UK undergraduates is around $18,736 per year after scholarships and grants. About 88% of full-time students receive some form of financial aid. Learn how Net Price and the Student Aid Index (SAI) affect your actual cost: Net Price & SAI explained. You can also use the University of Kentucky Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
- Academic Common Market (ACM): Allows students from participating SREB states to pay in-state tuition for approved majors not offered in their home state.
- Non-Resident Merit Scholarships: High-achieving out-of-state students may qualify for the Bluegrass Spirit Scholarship, worth up to $12,500 per year, which substantially reduces the non-resident tuition cost.
Savings example: Out-of-state tuition is about $35,164 vs. $13,907 in-state — a potential savings of roughly $21,000 per year when a waiver or major merit scholarship applies.
👉 Kentucky State Grants & Scholarships
💬 FAQ: Understanding UK Costs
How much does it really cost to attend UK each year?
For most students living on campus, the University of Kentucky’s billed costs total about $27,975 per year for in-state students and $49,232 for out-of-state students. That includes tuition, fees, housing, and a standard meal plan.
Why don’t these totals include books or personal expenses?
Because those costs aren’t paid directly to UK. Items like textbooks, transportation, and personal spending vary too much from student to student, so the table only lists what appears on your UK bill.
How much financial aid do most students actually receive?
The average UK student pays about $18,736 per year after scholarships and grants. Nearly 9 in 10 full-time students receive some type of financial aid, from state programs like KEES and CAP to UK’s own merit scholarships.
Can out-of-state students pay in-state tuition?
Yes — but only if they qualify for certain waivers or scholarships. The Academic Common Market lets students in approved majors pay in-state rates, and high-achieving non-residents can earn the Bluegrass Spirit Scholarship worth up to $12,500 per year.
Do Kentucky residents get automatic help with tuition?
Many do. The KEES Scholarship rewards strong grades and test scores from high school, and the CAP Grant helps students with financial need. Both can combine with UK’s institutional aid to further reduce the cost.
https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/cost-attendance
https://studentaccount.uky.edu/2025-26-tuition-and-fees
https://wildcatliving.uky.edu/residence-halls/rates
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-kentucky-1989/paying
https://www.meetyourclass.com/uky/cost
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-kentucky/tuition-and-costs
https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/academic-scholarships/incoming-freshmen-scholarships
https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/university-of-kentucky-bluegrass-spirit-awards
https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/180399-university-of-kentucky-bluegrass-spirit-scholarship
https://studentaccount.uky.edu/tuition-and-fees/academic-year-2025-2026-tuition-pricing-faq
https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/kees
https://www.kheaa.com/pdf/pubs/KEES_Brochure.pdf
https://cpe.ky.gov/ourwork/acm.html
https://registrar.uky.edu/academic-commonon-market
Automatic Merit Scholarships (University of Kentucky)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provost (Resident) | $2,500 / year | KY resident; 3.30 GPA & 26 ACT / 1230 SAT or test-optional 3.50 GPA | No | Yes | Admitted KY residents who meet the cutoff. Funds are limited—early admission helps. | Dec 1 |
| Provost (Resident) — Higher Tier | $5,000 / year | KY resident; 3.30 GPA & 28 ACT / 1300 SAT or test-optional 3.75 GPA | No | Yes | Higher-stat residents who apply early. Earlier completion increases likelihood. | Dec 1 |
| Bluegrass Spirit (Non-Resident) | $5,000 / year | Non-resident; test-optional 3.00 GPA | No | Yes | Baseline OOS award for 3.0+ test-optional admits. | Dec 1 |
| Bluegrass Spirit (Non-Resident) — Mid Tier | $8,000 / year | Non-resident; 3.00 GPA & 25 ACT / 1200 SAT or test-optional 3.50 GPA | No | Yes | Most OOS admits with mid-range scores and GPAs qualify. | Dec 1 |
| Bluegrass Spirit (Non-Resident) — Higher Tier | $10,000 / year | Non-resident; 3.50 GPA & 25 ACT / 1200 SAT or test-optional 3.60 GPA | No | Yes | Stronger OOS admits with high GPA and solid test results. | Dec 1 |
| Bluegrass Spirit (Non-Resident) — Top Tier | $12,500 / year | Non-resident; 3.50 GPA & 30 ACT / 1360 SAT or test-optional 3.80 GPA | No | Yes | Top OOS admits. Apply early—funding is limited. | Dec 1 |
Note: UK publishes fixed GPA/test thresholds for automatic merit (no superscoring). Amounts and criteria can change annually based on funding and applicant volume.
Kentucky residents can also stack KEES/state aid with UK automatic scholarships, subject to the university’s cost-of-attendance cap.
Automatic Scholarship FAQs — University of Kentucky
What’s the deadline to qualify?
Apply for admission by December 1 (Early Action). Awards are automatic once you’re admitted and meet the published GPA/test criteria, but funds are limited—earlier is better.
Does UK superscore ACT/SAT?
No. UK does not superscore either the ACT and the SAT.
Do I need to submit test scores?
Test-optional students can qualify for most automatic tiers with higher GPA thresholds. Submitting strong test scores can unlock higher award levels.
Are these scholarships renewable?
Yes. Automatic merit scholarships renew up to four years if you remain full-time and meet the renewal GPA stated in your award letter.
Can these stack with other aid?
Automatic merit scholarships typically can’t be combined with other UK-funded merit awards, but they can stack with KEES, CAP, Pell, SEOG, and private scholarships.
What’s the difference between Bluegrass Spirit and in-state tuition?
Bluegrass Spirit is a non-resident merit discount ranging from $5K to $12.5K per year—not full in-state tuition. Full tuition coverage for non-residents comes from competitive programs like Presidential or Singletary.
When are scholarships awarded?
Awards typically appear a few weeks after admission once all materials are processed. Applying and submitting scores early increases your chances before funds run out.
https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/academic-scholarships/incoming-freshmen-scholarships
https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/academic-scholarships
https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/academic-scholarships/academic-scholarship-faq
https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/academic-scholarships/current-undergraduate-student-scholarships
https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/university-of-kentucky-bluegrass-spirit-awards
https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/180399-university-of-kentucky-bluegrass-spirit-scholarship
https://www.bachelorsportal.com/scholarships/2980/bluegrass-spirit.html
https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/university-of-kentucky-provost-awards
https://www.petersons.com/scholarship/university-of-kentucky-provost-scholarship-111_274592.aspx
https://www.kheaa.com/pdf/pubs/KEES_Brochure.pdf
https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/kees
https://cpe.ky.gov/acm/acm-kees.html
https://www.testprepmom.com/blog-posts/the-2024-guide-to-kentucky-public-university-scholarships-is-here
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
UK’s competitive scholarships are reserved for top applicants and often cover a much bigger portion of the bill — sometimes even full tuition or more. These awards are not automatic. Students must apply by the December 1 Early Action deadline and, in most cases, submit a separate competitive scholarship application. Selection is based on GPA, test scores (if submitted), leadership, service, and essays.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Full in-state tuition | 3.50 GPA & 31+ ACT / 1390+ SAT or test-optional 3.80 GPA |
Yes — competitive app | Yes | About 200–250 recipients annually; top academics, strong essays, and demonstrated service/leadership. | Dec 1 (Early Action) |
| Otis A. Singletary Scholarship | Full in-state tuition + housing stipend | 3.80 GPA & 33+ ACT / 1450+ SAT or test-optional 3.90 GPA |
Yes — competitive app | Yes | Among UK’s most selective; ~50–60 winners with exceptional leadership, essays, and service records. | Dec 1 (Early Action) |
| Gatton College of Business & Economics Honors Scholarships | $2,000–$5,000/yr | 3.50 GPA & 28+ ACT / 1300+ SAT or test-optional 3.80 GPA |
Yes — Gatton Honors application | Yes | Strong business students admitted to Gatton Honors; selection focuses on essays and program fit. | Dec 1 |
| Kentucky Governor’s Scholar Presidential | Full in-state tuition | KY Governor’s Scholar + meets Presidential criteria or test-optional GPA equivalent |
No — automatic if eligible | Yes | Reserved for Kentucky Governor’s Scholars who meet Presidential standards; highly competitive within that pool. | Dec 1 (Early Action) |
Disclaimer: Award thresholds and selection volumes change yearly. Always confirm details with the UK Office of Academic Scholarships before applying.
❓ Flagship / Competitive Scholarship FAQs
How competitive are UK’s flagship scholarships?
Extremely. Roughly 200–250 Presidential and 50–60 Singletary Scholarships are awarded from thousands of qualified applicants. Once GPA/test cutoffs are met, essays and leadership make the difference.
Do these awards waive out-of-state tuition?
Yes. Nonresidents who earn the Presidential or Singletary scholarships are charged in-state tuition rates, saving more than $15,000 annually.
Can I apply test-optional?
Yes — UK allows test-optional consideration. However, GPA cutoffs are higher, and essays plus leadership/service play a larger role in selection.
What should students focus on in their essays?
Emphasize authentic leadership, service impact, and goals. Use our Essay Toolkit for guidance and the Brag Sheet Builder to organize your activities and leadership roles.
Does UK offer any National Merit or Stamps awards?
UK is not a current Stamps Scholarship partner but does offer strong National Merit packages that stack with state and institutional aid when applicable. Learn more at our National Merit Scholarship page.
https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/academic-scholarships/incoming-freshmen-scholarships
https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/academic-scholarships
https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/academic-scholarships/academic-scholarship-faq
https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/university-of-kentucky-presidential-scholarship
https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/scholarships/otis-a-singletary-scholarship
https://www.collegexpress.com/scholarships/otis-a-singletary-scholarship/10910/
https://gatton.uky.edu/tuition-scholarships
https://www.collegedata.com/scholarship-fhip-finder/274595
Lewis Honors College (University of Kentucky)
The Lewis Honors College at the University of Kentucky combines small, discussion-based courses with faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and access to exclusive scholarships. Students benefit from close-knit cohorts and personalized advising designed to help them excel in academics, leadership, and service.
- GPA: Around 3.9–4.0 unweighted in high school
- Test scores (if submitted): ACT 29–33 / SAT 1350–1450
- Several AP, IB, or dual-credit courses
- Leadership roles in clubs, community service, or creative projects
- Strong writing skills and a clear sense of purpose in essays
Honors perks your student can expect:
- Priority registration each semester
- Dedicated Honors advising and mentoring
- Access to Honors-only scholarships, internships, and research funding
- Special Honors housing options in the Central Hall complex
- Leadership, service, and global learning opportunities
- Smaller, discussion-based classes with top faculty
- Support for national fellowships and post-graduate scholarships
| Scholarship / Program | Value | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lewis Honors College Scholarships | $1,000–$3,000/year | Admitted to the Lewis Honors College; academic excellence; leadership/service background | No (auto-considered) | Yes (maintain Honors standing) | High-achieving incoming Honors students with strong involvement and essays | December 1 |
| Honors Travel & Research Grants | $500–$2,000 (one-time) | Current Honors student with approved project, study abroad, or conference proposal | Yes — proposal required | No | Students conducting thesis research, study abroad, or presenting academic work | Varies by semester |
| Priority Consideration for Competitive Scholarships | $5,000–full tuition | High-achieving Honors students with strong leadership or service | Varies | Yes (if renewable) | Honors students applying for Singletary, Patterson, and other UK flagship awards | December 1 |
Honors College — FAQs (University of Kentucky)
How do students get into the Lewis Honors College?
Most are automatically invited after applying to UK, based on GPA, rigor, and application essays. Others may apply through a supplemental Honors application if not initially invited.
Does the Honors College offer scholarships?
Yes. Honors students are eligible for Lewis Honors College Scholarships and are prioritized for many of UK’s top awards, including the Singletary and Patterson Scholarships.
Are Honors classes harder?
They’re more engaging, not necessarily harder. Classes focus on discussion, research, and problem-solving rather than heavier workloads.
Can students join Honors later?
Yes. Continuing UK students with a strong GPA (usually 3.5+) can apply to join the Lewis Honors College after their first semester.
Where do Honors students live?
Most first-year students live in the Honors-designated Central Hall complex, surrounded by other academically driven peers.
Is the Lewis Honors College worth it?
Yes. Honors students benefit from smaller classes, personal mentoring, and strong connections to research, scholarships, and professional pathways that boost graduate or career success.
https://honors.uky.edu/prospective
https://honors.uky.edu/admissions/frequently-asked-questions
https://honors.uky.edu/admissions
https://honors.uky.edu/gpa-policy
https://honors.uky.edu/admissions/upper-level-admission/upper-level-admission-eligibility
https://honors.uky.edu/admissions/upper-level-admission
https://honors.uky.edu/opportunities/scholarships-grants-and-awards
https://honors.uky.edu/opportunities/singletary-scholars
https://honors.uky.edu/opportunities
https://honors.uky.edu/opportunities/scholarships-grants-and-awards
https://honors.uky.edu/student-engagement/honors-residential-experience
https://scbarchitects.com/projects/lewis-honorsors-college/
🎯 What the University of Kentucky Is Nationally Known For
- Markey Cancer Center (NCI “Comprehensive”) — Kentucky’s first and only NCI‑Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (2023). Big‑league research + clinical trials = opportunities for pre‑health and STEM undergrads.
- Nursing — BSN ranked No. 15 nationally (top 2%). A strong track for clinical placements and health careers.
- Agriculture & Forestry — Globally ranked (QS Subjects), with UK placed in the 151–200 band worldwide. Solid fit for ag‑biosciences, equine, and environmental pathways.
- Communications & Media Studies — QS global subject ranking band 151–200; UK also sits at/near the top within Kentucky. Great for PR, media, and journalism tracks.
- Engineering — Graduate engineering ranked nationally (U.S. News 2025). Hands‑on opportunities through UK’s research ecosystem.
Scholarship tip: If your student leans toward these programs, check the college/department pages and UK’s Scholarship Universe after admission — many awards are tied to major and fill quickly.