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Lexington, Kentucky · Public, city campus

University of Kentucky SAT & ACT scores

Enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% of about 1070-1290. Their ACT composite middle 50% was 21-28. University of Kentucky admitted 93% of applicants and considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional).

SAT middle 50%
1070-1290
ACT middle 50%
21-28
Acceptance rate
93%
Test policy, fall 2024
Test-optional
Undergraduates
24,763

Quick answer

What SAT score do you need for University of Kentucky?

There is no published minimum. Aim for 1290 or higher to sit in the top quarter of University of Kentucky's SAT submitters; 1070 marks the bottom quarter. Its SAT midpoint is higher than at 51% of the 902 colleges in this directory that report SAT scores.

Score check

Where does your score land at University of Kentucky?

The middle 50% describes enrolled students who chose to submit scores, so test-optional colleges can show higher ranges than their full class. Scores are one part of an application.

Fall 2024 entering class

University of Kentucky SAT and ACT score ranges

Score percentiles of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores
Measure25th percentile50th percentile75th percentile
SAT Reading and Writing540600650
SAT Math530580640
SAT total (estimated)107011801290
ACT composite212528

The two sections are balanced: the top quarter starts at 650 in Reading and Writing and 640 in Math, and neither section's middle 50% spans more than 110 points.

College Scorecard's SAT-equivalent average for admitted students is 1215.

Testing policy

Does University of Kentucky require the SAT or ACT?

Reported for fall 2024: Test-optional

University of Kentucky told the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional) for students entering in fall 2024.

Check the current cycle

Many colleges have changed testing rules since 2024, and several now require scores again. Confirm the policy for your application year on University of Kentucky's website before deciding whether to submit.

Beyond scores

Cost and outcomes at University of Kentucky

In-state tuition and fees (2024-25)
$13,502
Out-of-state tuition and fees (2024-25)
$34,140
Average net price after aid (2023-24)
$18,851
First-year retention rate
87%
Graduation rate within 6 years
71%
Median earnings 10 years after entry
$59,025

Compare

Colleges with similar score ranges

Texas Tech UniversityTX · SAT 1090-1280University of Nevada-RenoNV · SAT 1060-1290West Chester University of PennsylvaniaPA · SAT 1100-1270Western Carolina UniversityNC · SAT 1080-1270University of Wisconsin-La CrosseWI · ACT 22-27University of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireWI · ACT 22-27

Similar colleges in Kentucky

University of LouisvilleSAT 1040-1270Bellarmine UniversitySAT 1030-1250Midway UniversitySAT 1100-1170Berea CollegeSAT 1156-1335The Southern Baptist Theological SeminarySAT 1010-1230Thomas More UniversitySAT 1030-1230

Browse all Kentucky colleges by SAT score, colleges for a 1050 SAT or a 1300 SAT, or colleges for a 21 ACT.

Plan your prep

Turn a target score into a plan

What is a good SAT score?Build your SAT study planSAT section-score goal plannerScore Choice and superscoring

FAQ

University of Kentucky admissions questions

What SAT score do you need to get into University of Kentucky?

University of Kentucky does not publish a minimum SAT score. Among enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024, the middle 50% scored between 1070 and 1290 (estimated from section scores). A score of 1290 or higher would place you in the top quarter of that group; 1070 marks the bottom quarter.

What ACT score do you need for University of Kentucky?

Enrolled first-year students who submitted ACT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% composite of 21 to 28, with a median of 25. Scoring 28 or above puts you in the top quarter of submitters.

Does University of Kentucky require the SAT or ACT?

For fall 2024 entry, University of Kentucky reported to the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional). Testing policies have changed at many colleges since then, so confirm the current policy on University of Kentucky's admissions website before you apply.

What is University of Kentucky's acceptance rate?

University of Kentucky admitted 93% of applicants for fall 2024, according to data it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.

Sources and method

Where these numbers come from

Test scores: 25th, 50th and 75th percentile SAT section scores and ACT composites of first-time students who enrolled in fall 2024 and submitted scores, as each college reported to IPEDS. Composite SAT ranges add the two section percentiles, so they are an estimate of the true composite range.

Admissions and test policy: Fall 2024 entering class, reported to IPEDS in 2024-25. Policies change; check each college's admissions site before applying.

Cost and outcomes: tuition for academic year 2024-25; average net price for academic year 2023-24; graduation rate for first-time, full-time students who started in 2018-19, graduating within 150% of normal time (6 years for a bachelor's degree); median earnings 10 years after entry, measured in 2020 and 2021, in 2022 dollars.

Coverage: colleges currently operating that reported SAT or ACT ranges and enrolled at least 500 undergraduates. Data released 2026-06-10, retrieved 2026-10-05. Spot an error? Email [email protected].