University of Kentucky vs Eastern Kentucky University
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
University of Kentucky holds a 30-point ROI advantage over Eastern Kentucky University, scoring 69/100 versus 39/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Eastern Kentucky University comes in at $11,040 per year (net price after aid) versus $18,851 at University of Kentucky - a difference of $7,811 annually, or roughly $31,244 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of Kentucky graduates earn a median of $59,025 compared to $45,795 at Eastern Kentucky University. The payback period is 9 years at University of Kentucky versus 17.1 years at Eastern Kentucky University.
Graduates leave Eastern Kentucky University with a median $22,500 in debt versus $22,500 at University of Kentucky. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.52 and 0.69 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Kentucky | Eastern Kentucky Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $13,502 | $10,320 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,140 | $21,230 |
| Net Price (avg) | $18,851 | $11,040 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $75,404 | $44,160 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $43,500 | $32,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $59,025 | $45,795 |
| Graduation Rate | 71.4% | 50.0% |
| Payback Period | 9 yr | 17.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $22,500 | $22,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $239 | $239 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.52 | 0.69 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 74.8% | 64.6% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 68.1% | 57.1% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 92.9% | 77.6% |
| Enrollment | 24,763 | 12,318 |
| SAT Range | 1070-1290 | 880-1080 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Kentuc... | Eastern Kentucky Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,182 | $8,591 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,119 | $8,005 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $16,313 | $10,382 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $21,192 | $14,384 |
| $110,001+ | $26,781 | $17,009 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Kentuc... | Eastern Kentucky Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $99,535 | $68,774 |
| Accounting | $85,777 | $59,609 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $84,087 | $63,685 |
| Registered Nursing | $81,941 | $83,920 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $77,663 | $63,533 |
| Chemistry | $73,549 | $52,216 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $70,942 | $55,570 |
| Marketing | $70,776 | $53,559 |
| Business Administration and Management | $69,451 | $57,724 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $62,754 | $49,272 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services | $55,633 | $59,838 |
| Public Health | $59,163 | $51,086 |
| International Relations | $57,514 | $43,786 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $55,653 | $40,429 |
| Agricultural Production Operations | $46,843 | $53,450 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Kentuc... | Eastern Kentucky Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 70 | 53 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 68 | 32 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 70 | 31 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 80 | 39 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 54 | 26 |
| Overall ROI Score | 69 | 39 |
The Verdict
University of Kentucky significantly outperforms Eastern Kentucky University on financial ROI (69 vs 39). The 30-point gap reflects meaningfully better outcomes in earnings relative to cost. Unless Eastern Kentucky University offers something compelling for your specific situation - a top program in your major, a full scholarship, or non-financial factors that matter to you - the data favors University of Kentucky.
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University of Kentucky
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Eastern Kentucky University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.