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University of Kentucky vs University of Louisville

MSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Lower tuition
University of Louisville
$14,418 vs $26,424
Easier to get into
University of Kentucky
92.4% vs 80.5% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

University of Kentucky
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
University of Louisville
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeMSNMSN
Formatin personin person
LocationLexington, KYLouisville, KY
Length24 months24 months
NCLEX pass rate91%
Acceptance rate92.4%BEST80.5%
Avg accepted GPA3.4
Min GPA
Entrance examTEAS
Total tuition$26,424$14,418 in / $29,102 outBEST
In-state tuition$14,330BEST$14,418
Out-of-state tuition$35,459$29,102BEST
Clinical placementarranged
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, University of Kentucky or University of Louisville?

University of Louisville is the more affordable option at roughly $14,418, compared to $26,424. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are University of Kentucky and University of Louisville the same type of program?

Both are MSN programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.

How do I decide between University of Kentucky and University of Louisville?

Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.

Want a personalized fit score?

Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.