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University of Louisville

Accept Rate
80.54%
Grad Rate
61.4%
Enrollment
14,187
Avg SAT
1147
Tuition
$12,828
Median Salary
$53,899
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
B-
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University of Louisville pulses with energetic, urban spirit, blending the excitement of a major conference sports school with the warmth of Southern hospitality. It feels like a place where school pride runs deep, especially on game days, and the campus is a vibrant hub connected directly to the heartbeat of the city.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

80.54%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 114775th Pctl
10201250
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2475th Pctl
1927
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your connection to the city and community service in your application, as UofL values students who are engaged with the Louisville area. If your test scores are below the average, a strong GPA and a compelling personal essay can significantly boost your chances given the 80% acceptance rate.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1147
40080012001600
School range: 1020โ€“1250

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

UofL offers strong, practical academics with nationally recognized programs in business, engineering, and health professions that leverage the city's medical and corporate assets. Students benefit from accessible, hands-on learning and research opportunities, particularly in health sciences and applied fields, guided by faculty who are deeply engaged in their industries.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
14.3%
Health Professions
12.8%
Engineering
11.9%
Education
10.6%
Psychology
8%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
6.9%
Biology & Biomedical
6.4%
Social Sciences
5%
Criminal Justice
4.8%
Communications
4.5%
Visual & Performing Arts
2.9%
Computer Science
2.7%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

61.4%
Graduation Rate
80.6%
Retention Rate
14,187
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$12,828
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$17,634
After financial aid
Total Cost
$30,843
Cost of attendance/year
28.8%
Receive Pell Grants
28.5%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Louisville/Jefferson County

Student life in Louisville is a mix of campus traditions and big-city fun, from cheering on the Cardinals at football and basketball games to exploring the lively NuLu district for food and art. Students enjoy the city's renowned restaurant scene, the annual Kentucky Derby festival, and outdoor activities along the Ohio River.

Local Rent Check

$1,077 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Louisville/Jefferson County
Explore Louisville/Jefferson County

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$51,312
$0Est. 4 Years: $51,312

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($53,899):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The university has a dedicated UofL Police Department (ULPD) and offers resources like the LENS safety app and a 24/7 campus escort service. While the urban campus requires standard city awareness, the main campus and its surrounding neighborhoods are generally considered safe with active security measures.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong value proposition with affordable in-state tuition and a solid ROI.
  • โœ“ Nationally competitive NCAA Division I athletics program fostering a spirited campus culture.
  • โœ“ Prime urban location offering direct access to internships, healthcare systems, and city amenities.
  • โœ“ Well-regarded programs in high-demand fields like health professions, business, and engineering.

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation rate of 61.4% is below the national average, suggesting student support challenges.
  • โœ— Campus safety can be a concern in certain urban areas, requiring students to be vigilant.
  • โœ— Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher, reducing value for non-residents.

Notable Alumni

Johnny Depp
Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in films like Pirates of the Caribbean.
Jennifer Lawrence
Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in The Hunger Games and Silver Linings Playbook.
Muhammad Ali
World-famous professional boxer and cultural icon, born in Louisville and closely tied to the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

The University of Louisville is particularly known for its powerhouse NCAA Division I athletics program, especially its men's and women's basketball teams. Academically, it has a strong reputation in health professions, business, and engineering, and is home to the renowned Louisville Cardinals brand.

No, the University of Louisville has a relatively high acceptance rate of 80.54%, making it an accessible option for many students. While not highly selective, applicants are still advised to have a solid academic record, with an average SAT score around 1147, to be competitive for admission.

Campus life at UofL is energetic and heavily influenced by its status as a major public research university with a vibrant Greek life and over 300 student organizations. The urban setting provides students with endless opportunities for off-campus entertainment, internships, and exploring the cultural and culinary scene of Louisville.

For in-state students, the University of Louisville is generally considered a strong financial investment, with a low net price and a 10-year median earnings of $53,899. The value is significantly higher for residents, while out-of-state students should carefully weigh the higher tuition against the benefits of the programs and location.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Norton Healthcare Yum! Brands (KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut) Humana GE Appliances (a Haier company) Ford Motor Company
Smart Start Score
60

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 18,339
  • In-State Tuition $12,828
  • Out-of-State $29,174
  • Zip Code 40292

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 43.8% โ™€ 56.2%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $17,634 and strong in-state tuition value, UofL offers a solid return on investment, especially for Kentucky residents. The 10-year median earnings of $53,899 position graduates well for a positive financial outcome, making it a financially sound choice compared to many private institutions.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $12,828
Housing (12 mo) $12,924
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $32,952
With avg financial aid:
$17,634/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.