The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs University of Kentucky
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($60,249 vs $59,025). The University of Tennessee-Knoxville recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 3 yrs vs 3.1 yrs).
| Measure | The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleTN | University of KentuckyKY |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $60,249 | $59,025 |
| Years to recoup four-year net cost | 3 yrs | 3.1 yrs |
| Average net price per year | $18,976 | $18,851 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year | $33,678 | $34,391 |
| Share earning above a high-school grad | 66.9% | 68.3% |
| Six-year graduation rate | 73.9% | 71.4% |
| First-year retention (full-time) | 91.9% | 86.8% |
| Admission rate | 41.6% | 92.9% |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,500 | $22,500 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 30,418 | 24,763 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI) | 3.1 | 7.6 |
Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.
Is The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or University of Kentucky a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 3 yrs vs 3.1 yrs).. Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals; use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.
Which costs more, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or University of Kentucky?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's average net price is $18,976 per year and University of Kentucky's is $18,851 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students actually pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (2024-25); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.