University of Kentucky vs University of Tennessee

This page compares University of Kentucky and University of Tennessee across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes using official ABA 509 disclosures.

In the U.S. News rankings, University of Tennessee is ranked #55 compared to #68 — a gap of 13 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

There is a meaningful difference in admissions competitiveness: University of Tennessee has a median LSAT of 164 compared to 159, a gap of 5 points. This suggests applicants to University of Tennessee face a more competitive admissions pool.

University of Tennessee is significantly more selective, with an acceptance rate of 24.8% compared to University of Kentucky's 40.8%.

University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, Kentucky, while University of Tennessee is in Knoxville, Tennessee. Regional placement matters: graduates tend to find employment near their law school, so location should factor into your decision alongside rankings and cost.

On cost, University of Tennessee has lower tuition at $16,696 per year compared to $25,685. Combined with employment rates of 97.8% (UKentucky) and 92.1% (UTKnoxville), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.

Among cross-admitted applicants, University of Kentucky offered a median scholarship of $75,000 compared to $36,000, a difference of $39,000 that may factor into enrollment decisions.