Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky · Public · 77.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 39/100 · Poor Value
Eastern Kentucky University
Poor ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $10,320/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $21,230/yr |
| Average net price | $11,040/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $44,160 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,795 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $32,700 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $239 |
| Estimated payback period | 17.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 50.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 12,318 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,591 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,005 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,382 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,384 |
| $110,001+ | $17,009 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Eastern Kentucky University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $41,384 | D |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $47,882 | D |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $43,352 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $83,920 | B |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians | $92,289 | C+ |
| Biology | $48,327 | D |
| Teacher Education | $38,951 | D |
| Social Work | $46,705 | D |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $51,386 | D |
| Business Administration and Management | $57,724 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Eastern Kentucky University is $10,320/year ($21,230/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $11,040/year, or roughly $44,160 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $8,591/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $17,009/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $239 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $45,795 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.69 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 59.5% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 64.6% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 57.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 61.6% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 77.6% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 440-550 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 440-530 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 19-25 |
| Enrollment | 12,318 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 41.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,826 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Kentucky University (this school) | 39 | $11,040 | $45,795 |
| University of Kentucky | 69 | $18,851 | $59,025 |
| Eastern Michigan University | 42 | $15,407 | $51,793 |
| University of Central Oklahoma | 38 | $18,309 | $48,351 |
| Coastal Carolina University | 36 | $13,966 | $47,258 |
| Kentucky State University | 9 | $8,040 | $36,382 |
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Eastern Kentucky University. With a net cost of $11,040 per year and median graduate earnings of only $45,795 ten years out, the payback period stretches to 17.1 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include a 50.0% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $22,500 against $45,795 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.