Federal
Federal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395 a year (2026–27)
Who qualifies: undergraduates with financial need, based on the FAFSA. It never has to be repaid.
How: file the FAFSA.
Official rules →Paying for college · Lexington, KY
How students pay for the University of Kentucky
Sticker price $35,083 a year. After grants, the average student pays $18,868, and what you pay depends on your family's income: anywhere from $12,460 to $27,661.
- 93%admitted
- 24,763undergraduates
- 72%graduate
- 89%get a grant from the school
What it costs, by family income
Average yearly net price for first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, paying in-state tuition. Tap your bracket.
Out-of-state tuition is $35,164 a year versus $13,907 for Kentucky residents, so non-residents usually pay far more than these figures.
Where the money comes from
Share of first-year students receiving each type of aid, and the average amount.
89%grant from University of Kentuckyavg $10,164
24%Federal Pell Grantavg $5,201
60%state grantavg $3,574
40%federal student loanavg $5,264
Scholarships from University of Kentucky
Awards the school itself offers, as published on its own website (checked 2026-10-28). Amounts and deadlines change: confirm on the linked page.
- James F. Hardymon Scholarship$1,500 to $6,500 a year
Admitted Kentucky-resident first-year students, tiered by unweighted GPA (from 3.00) and optional ACT/SAT score.
- Bluegrass Scholarship$6,500 to $16,000 a year
Admitted non-resident first-year students, tiered by unweighted GPA (from 3.00) and optional ACT/SAT score.
- Presidential ScholarshipFull tuition and mandatory fees (in-state or out-of-state)
First-year students with at least a 3.50 GPA and 31 ACT/1390 SAT, or a 4.00 GPA test-optional; limited number awarded.
- Otis A. Singletary ScholarshipFull tuition and mandatory fees, course and program fees, plus a housing and dining stipend for the first two years on campus
First-year students with at least a 3.80 GPA and 33 ACT/1450 SAT, or a 4.00 GPA test-optional; selected applicants may be interviewed.
- Kentucky Governor's Scholar Presidential ScholarshipFull in-state tuition and mandatory fees
Kentucky residents who completed Governor's Scholars, School for the Arts or School for Entrepreneurs and meet the Presidential GPA/test criteria.
- Kentucky Governor's Scholar James F. Hardymon Scholarship$2,500 to $6,500 a year
Kentucky residents who completed Governor's Scholars, School for the Arts or School for Entrepreneurs.
- William C. Parker Scholarship
Incoming first-year students with at least a 3.00 unweighted GPA, selected on academic preparation and the admission essay.
- Founders Scholarship
High-need undergraduates not awarded a competitive scholarship, with at least a 3.50 GPA (or 3.30 with 26 ACT/1230 SAT); renewable for up to 8 semesters.
Priority FAFSA deadline: February 15, 2027 (to be considered for the need-based Founders Scholarship).
Grants and scholarships you can apply for
State grant · Kentucky
College Access Program (CAP) Grant
Up to $5,300 a year at a four-year college, $2,500 at a two-year college (prorated for 6 to 11 credit hours). No summer awards.
Who qualifies: Kentucky residents with financial need, taking at least 6 credit hours at an eligible Kentucky college.
How: No separate application: file the FAFSA as early as possible. Awards go first come, first served until the money runs out.
Official rules →State grant · Kentucky
Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship
Tuition for up to 60 credit hours at the in-state KCTCS rate, plus up to $400 a year in fees, after other grants.
Who qualifies: Kentucky residents who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have no college degree, and enrol in a certificate, diploma or applied associate program in construction, healthcare, manufacturing and logistics, or professional and technical studies. Not based on income or grades; keep a 2.0 GPA to renew.
How: File the FAFSA, then apply through your KHEAA account. The application opens 1 May and stays open until funding runs out.
Official rules →State grants follow your home state, not the school's: check your own state's programs if you are coming from elsewhere.
Living in Lexington
| Studio | $1,010/mo |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom | $1,230/mo |
| Two-bedroom, shared | $725/mo each |
HUD FY2027 Fair Market Rents, campus ZIP 40506. Campus housing is often cheaper in the first year.
Working while you study
$7.25/hour minimum wage in Kentucky
15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year ≈ $3,262 before tax. That covers about 4 months of a shared room.
Minimum wage: Kentucky follows the federal minimum wage. Ask the financial aid office whether you qualify for Federal Work-Study.
After graduation
$19,500median federal debt≈ $222/month over 10 years
$63,924median earnings10 years after enrolling
72%graduate within 6 yearsfirst-time students
Close the gap without another loan
Since July 2026 Parent PLUS loans are capped, so more families are left with a gap after aid. Students use My Study Fund to collect monthly support from family, friends and mentors: 20 people giving $25 a month is $6,000 a year, and you receive every dollar.
Questions students ask about paying for University of Kentucky
What scholarships does University of Kentucky offer?
James F. Hardymon Scholarship ($1,500 to $6,500 a year); Bluegrass Scholarship ($6,500 to $16,000 a year); Presidential Scholarship (Full tuition and mandatory fees (in-state or out-of-state)); Otis A. Singletary Scholarship (Full tuition and mandatory fees, course and program fees, plus a housing and dining stipend for the first two years on campus); Kentucky Governor's Scholar Presidential Scholarship (Full in-state tuition and mandatory fees). Details and deadlines are on the school's financial aid pages.
How much does University of Kentucky really cost after financial aid?
The average student who received aid paid $18,868 a year after grants and scholarships. By family income it ranges from $12,460 to $27,661. The full cost of attendance before aid is $35,083.
Does University of Kentucky give scholarships and grants?
Yes. 89% of first-year students received a grant from University of Kentucky itself, averaging $10,164. 24% received a Federal Pell Grant (average $5,201).
How much is rent near University of Kentucky?
HUD's FY2027 Fair Market Rent for the campus ZIP code (40506) is $1,230 a month for a one-bedroom and $1,450 for a two-bedroom, about $725 each when shared.
Can I work part-time while studying at University of Kentucky?
Yes. The minimum wage in Kentucky is $7.25 an hour; 15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year earns about $3,262 before tax.
How much debt do University of Kentucky graduates have?
The median federal debt at graduation is $19,500, about $222 a month on a 10-year plan. Median earnings ten years after enrolling are $63,924.
Sources
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 10152026) and IPEDS (SFA2223 student financial aid, first-time full-time students); HUD FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents; state and federal program pages linked above, checked 2026-10-28. My Study Fund is not affiliated with University of Kentucky. How these pages work.
More in Kentucky: All colleges in Kentucky →