Head-to-head · 2026
Centre College vs University of Kentucky
Compare average net price ($20,781 at Centre College; $18,851 at University of Kentucky), ROI score (7.97 vs 7.83), ten-year median earnings ($66,240 vs $59,025), and admissions selectivity (54.4% acceptance at Centre College; 92.9% at University of Kentucky) using federal College Scorecard data. Centre College has a 5-2 metric-level edge. The ROI scores are close, so aid letters, program fit, graduation rate and debt should decide the better fit.
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 | Centre College | University of Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.97 ✓ | 7.83 |
| Avg net price | $20,781 | $18,851 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $66,240 ✓ | $59,025 |
| Acceptance rate | 54.4% ✓ | 92.9% |
| Graduation rate | 80.7% ✓ | 71.4% |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $22,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,400 | 24,763 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1352 ✓ | 1215 |
| Metric advantages | 5 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Centre College costs $1,930 more per year than University of Kentucky ($20,781 vs $18,851). Centre College graduates report $7,215 higher median earnings after ten years ($66,240 vs $59,025). On EduGradify's model that puts Centre College ahead on projected ROI (7.97 vs 7.83, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Centre College) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Centre College is selective at 54.4% acceptance versus 92.9% (accessible) at University of Kentucky.
Frequently asked
Centre College vs University of Kentucky, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Centre College or University of Kentucky the better value?
Centre College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.97 vs 7.83), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Kentucky is cheaper — average net price $18,851 per year vs $20,781 at Centre College. The annual difference of $1,930 adds up to about $7,720 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Centre College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $66,240 vs $59,025 at University of Kentucky. The annual gap in the federal data is $7,215.
Which school is harder to get into?
Centre College is more selective at 54.4% 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. Centre College reports a B value grade; University of Kentucky reports B.