Head-to-head · 2026
Berea College vs University of Kentucky
Compare average net price ($6,106 at Berea College; $18,851 at University of Kentucky), ROI score (17.67 vs 7.83), ten-year median earnings ($43,150 vs $59,025), and admissions selectivity (19.3% acceptance at Berea College; 92.9% at University of Kentucky) using federal College Scorecard data. Berea College has a 5-2 metric-level edge. Berea College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Berea College | University of Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 17.67 ✓ | 7.83 |
| Avg net price | $6,106 ✓ | $18,851 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,150 | $59,025 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 19.3% ✓ | 92.9% |
| Graduation rate | 58.2% | 71.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $3,591 ✓ | $22,500 |
| Enrollment | 1,513 | 24,763 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1249 ✓ | 1215 |
| Metric advantages | 5 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Kentucky costs $12,745 more per year than Berea College ($18,851 vs $6,106). University of Kentucky graduates report $15,875 higher median earnings after ten years ($59,025 vs $43,150). On EduGradify's model that puts Berea College ahead on projected ROI (17.67 vs 7.83, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Berea College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Berea College is selective at 19.3% acceptance versus 92.9% (accessible) at University of Kentucky.
Frequently asked
Berea College vs University of Kentucky, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Berea College or University of Kentucky the better value?
Berea College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (17.67 vs 7.83), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Berea College is cheaper — average net price $6,106 per year vs $18,851 at University of Kentucky. The annual difference of $12,745 adds up to about $50,980 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Kentucky reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $59,025 vs $43,150 at Berea College. The annual gap in the federal data is $15,875.
Which school is harder to get into?
Berea College is more selective at 19.3% acceptance vs 92.9% at University of Kentucky.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Berea College reports a A+ value grade; University of Kentucky reports B.