Health Sciences at University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
40
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,370/yr (-47% vs median)
AI Risk High (43% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,700 openings/yr)
ROI 24.7x earnings multiple (9.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #41 of 156 Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

The generalist nature of this Health Sciences degree at UK often prepares graduates for vital community and administrative support roles within Kentucky's healthcare ecosystem, including larger systems like UK HealthCare and Baptist Health. This broad foundation, while valuable, typically leads to starting positions that aren't specialized clinical roles, which can influence initial earning trajectories. Many graduates find themselves in public health initiatives, health education, or patient advocacy, crucial areas that often prioritize community impact over high compensation, especially in regional markets. Given the program's breadth, consider specializing early through internships or pursuing a master's degree immediately. Focusing on specific certifications or advanced studies in areas like health informatics, administration, or a direct clinical path will be key to significantly enhancing your career prospects.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Health Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,346K $1,308K $1,066K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 25.5x 24.7x 20.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.1x 9.8x 8.0x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 40 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$52,848
Out-of-state: $133,624 (9.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,872
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
14.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$94,455
388% growth from Year 1

About University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky has a 92% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 23,189 students in Lexington, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kentucky →

Top Career Paths

Health education specialists $63,000/yr
Community health workers $51,030/yr
View all 2 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Health Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Kentucky

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Health Sciences at University of Kentucky?
At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Health Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Health Sciences degree from University of Kentucky?
At $23,000 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Health Sciences at University of Kentucky?
The 43% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of Kentucky a good choice for Health Sciences despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Kentucky's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →