University of Kentucky vs Eastern Kentucky University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of Kentucky comes out ahead: 69/100 to 39/100, a 30-point edge over Eastern Kentucky University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Eastern Kentucky University runs $11,040 a year against $18,851 at University of Kentucky - $7,811 more a year, or about $31,244 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Kentucky graduates earn a median $59,025 against $45,795 at Eastern Kentucky University. The cost earns itself back in 9 years at University of Kentucky and 17.1 years at Eastern Kentucky University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Eastern Kentucky University owing a median $22,500 versus $22,500 at University of Kentucky. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.52 and 0.69 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
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
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Kentucky clearly outperforms Eastern Kentucky University (69 vs 39), a 30-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Eastern Kentucky University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to 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.