College Costs in Lexington, KY 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 14 colleges in Lexington, Kentucky. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,360
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,200
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,265
per month
Colleges & Universities
14
institutions
Lexington Overview
Population
322,570
Student Population
33,492 (10.4%)
Cost of Living Index
107 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
68/100
Transit Score
41/100
Unemployment Rate
6.4%
College Cost Calculator for Lexington
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$92,240
Total After Financial Aid
$92,240
Annual Cost
$23,060
Annual After Aid
$23,060
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $92,240 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,047 |
| Total Interest | $33,444 |
| Total Loan Cost | $125,684 |
Universities in Lexington
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Kentucky | Public | $12,360 |
| Transylvania University | Private | $42,200 |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College | Community | $4,680 |
Lexington has 14 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lexington vs. National Average
| Category | Lexington | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,360 | $10,940 | +$1,420 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,265 | $1,050 | +$215 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 100 | +7 |
Lexington's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Lexington
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
33,492 students
Lexington has a total population of 322,570, with approximately 33,492 college students (10.4% of the population). Lexington has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lexington
$40,094
Starting Salary
6.4%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~18 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lexington earn a median starting salary of $40,094, which is $5,094 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $92,240 (including room and board), it would take approximately 18 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,397 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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