Analysis
University of Kentucky's business program outperforms most in-state options while keeping debt manageable—a solid combination for Kentucky families. Starting at $49,431 and growing to $59,354 by year four, graduates earn about 20% more than the typical Kentucky business graduate and land slightly above the national median. Among Kentucky's 21 business programs, UK ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing only Sullivan and Northern Kentucky among major state schools.
The debt picture strengthens the value case. At $23,055, graduates borrow about $3,000 less than both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47—meaning the typical graduate earns more than twice their debt in the first year alone. With a 92% admission rate and solid earnings trajectory, UK provides accessible entry to above-average outcomes without the financial burden many business programs carry.
For Kentucky residents, this represents one of the stronger in-state options at a flagship school price point. While Sullivan University graduates earn more initially, UK's lower debt load and steady earnings growth make it a safer bet for most families. The robust sample size confirms these aren't outliers—this is what typical UK business graduates actually earn.
Where University of Kentucky Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Kentucky graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kentucky | $49,431 | $59,354 | +20% |
| Transylvania University | $31,614 | $64,225 | +103% |
| Northern Kentucky University | $48,654 | $61,090 | +26% |
| Sullivan University | $56,432 | $59,618 | +6% |
| Berea College | $44,627 | $52,009 | +17% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of KentuckyLexington | $13,212 | $49,431 | $59,354 | $23,055 | 0.47 |
 Sullivan UniversityLouisville | $14,220 | $56,432 | $59,618 | $43,625 | 0.77 |
 Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights | $10,896 | $48,654 | $61,090 | $30,750 | 0.63 |
 Spalding UniversityLouisville | $27,850 | $47,596 | $47,782 | $31,000 | 0.65 |
 University of the CumberlandsWilliamsburg | $9,875 | $46,242 | $51,203 | $21,219 | 0.46 |
 Berea CollegeBerea | $49,326 | $44,627 | $52,009 | — | — |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Kentucky, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 290 graduates with reported earnings and 292 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.