Top 10 Reasons to Choose UK
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World-Class Faculty
The University of Kentucky employs nearly 1,800 full-time faculty, 98 percent of whom hold the highest degree attainable in their field. Last year alone, UK nearly tripled its number of endowed faculty positions to 192, which will attract even more world-class faculty to our institution. Find out more on the Faculty and Staff page.
Outstanding Academics
With over 125 undergraduate majors from which to choose, students at UK have ample opportunities to explore academic interests. From accounting or nursing to psychology or theatre, UK offers a diverse array of outstanding programs. UK boasts over 70 national rankings, including virtually every college within the university. What does this mean for you? No matter what major or program you choose at UK, you will receive an outstanding education. Find out more on the UK Academics page.
Smalls Within the Large
While UK is a large university in terms of numbers and opportunities, you might be surprised at the many "smalls within the large." For instance, the average class size at UK is 25, and the student-faculty ratio is 17.6:1. While you may have some larger classes at UK, a majority of your classes, especially in your major, will be much smaller. The Honors Program limits its seminar-style classes to 16 students, and the Freshman Discovery Seminars are limited to 25 students. At UK, you can get to know your professors and receive personal attention, while at the same time take advantage of all the opportunities this large university has to offer. It's truly the best of both worlds!
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Outstanding Students
As a UK student, you can expect to be in a stellar crowd. For instance, the fall 2005 freshman class included 41 National Merit Scholars, 2 National Achievement Finalists, as well as 273 Kentucky Governor's Scholars Alumni, and 38 Governor's School for the Arts Alumni. UK students have been chosen as Fulbright Scholars, Truman Scholars, Marshall Scholars, and many more. As a UK student you will be among the best and the brightest.
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Sky-High Value at a Rock-Bottom Cost
Going to college is rarely an inexpensive venture. However, when you compare the annual cost of attending UK to the quality of the education you receive and the vast array of opportunities available to you, we think you will agree with us that UK is a great value. We aren't the only people who think so, US News and World Report recently ranked UK in the top 50 institutions for quality and value, and The Student Guide to America's Best College Buys ranked UK in the top 100 institutions for value. Check out our annual costs and you will become a believer, too.
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The William T. Young Library
When you visit our campus, the highlight of the campus tour is a visit to the new William T. Young Library. Completed in April 1998, the $58 million library ranks as the most technologically-advanced university library in the world. State of the art technology and awe-inspiring architecture combine to make the Young Library a jewel on UK's campus. Once you have witnessed the William T. Young Library, it is hard to fail to notice our dedication to academic achievement.
Student Life and Residence Life
With over 6,150 students living in 22 on-campus residence halls, you can bet there are tons of activities, programs, and opportunities available to students. Students can choose from over 300 student organizations and dozens of intramural and club sports. As you can imagine, there is always something happening on campus, whether it is a movie in Worsham Theatre, a Friday night ice hockey match, or a sorority philanthropic event. There is truly something for everyone here at UK.
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The Wildcat Tradition
If you haven't experienced rooting for the Wildcats at a home game in Rupp Arena or cheering on the football team at the newly expanded Commonwealth Stadium, you are truly missing out. UK athletics boasts an incredible tradition of excellence, which includes 8 team and 22 individual national championships. You will quickly find that UK fans, alumni, and students are intensely loyal to their institution and are proud to "bleed blue" and carry on the Wildcat tradition of spirit. Once you have witnessed the Wildcat spirit, it is not hard to believe that the Harris Poll has named the men's basketball Wildcats "America's Favorite Team" each of the last three years. -
Career Opportunities
UK students will now be able to take advantage of the new James Stuckert Career Center, which is one of the largest and most technologically advanced in the country. The Career Center includes an on-site library and video conferencing, as well as 15 interview rooms for corporate recruiting. Many of the university's colleges include career placement services, and several majors boast a 100% job placement rate.
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Lexington
Home to 250,000 residents, Lexington is a bustling and rapidly growing city in the heart of the Bluegrass region. Residents enjoy the urban conveniences of business, industry, retail and dining, while miles of winding roads, picturesque horse farms, and white-planked fences are just minutes away. Cultural and historical attractions include the Kentucky Horse Park, the Lexington Philharmonic, the Ballet Theatre of Lexington, and Ashland, Henry Clay's estate. Sports enthusiasts enjoy the thrills of horseracing at Keeneland, UK home games, and Lexington Horsemen indoor football games. With all these opportunities, it is not hard to believe Lexington ranks 15th in America's Best Places to Live and Work in Employment Review's latest annual survey.