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University of Kentucky vs Thomas More University: which has better ROI?

Public, Lexington KY · vs · Private nonprofit, Crestview Hills KY

The verdict

University of Kentucky has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $75,404 in 7.1 years versus 7.9 years at Thomas More University, on median earnings of $59,025 vs $59,384 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of KentuckyThomas More University
Net price / yr$18,851$21,835
Total net cost$75,404$87,340
Median earnings, 10 yrs$59,025$59,384
Median debt$22,500$26,236
Payback7.1 yrs7.9 yrs
20-year net return$137,896$133,140

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Kentucky or Thomas More University?

University of Kentucky, at $18,851 a year after aid versus $21,835 — a gap of $2,984 a year, or $11,936 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Kentucky or Thomas More University graduates earn more?

Thomas More University graduates report a median $59,384 ten years after entry, $359 more than the $59,025 at University of Kentucky. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Kentucky or Thomas More University?

University of Kentucky: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $26,236 at Thomas More University, a difference of $3,736. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at University of Kentucky, against 41% at Thomas More University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Kentucky vs Thomas More University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Kentucky or Thomas More University a better value?
University of Kentucky. It clears its $75,404 net cost in about 7.1 years versus 7.9 years at Thomas More University, on median earnings of $59,025 vs $59,384 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Kentucky or Thomas More University?
University of Kentucky: $18,851/yr net price after aid versus $21,835/yr at Thomas More University — a difference of $2,984 a year, or about $11,936 over four years.
Do University of Kentucky or Thomas More University graduates earn more?
Thomas More University graduates earn a median $59,384 ten years after entry, versus $59,025 at University of Kentucky — a $359 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.