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Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, KY·Public·11,674 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families who need the lowest possible cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 11,674 students.

78%
Accept
11,674
Students
$9,962
Net Price
50%
Grad Rate
$39,300
Earnings
10 yr
$14,929
Debt

About This School

Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution located in Richmond, Kentucky with approximately 11,674 undergraduate students enrolled. Eastern Kentucky University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 78%. The average net price after financial aid is $9,962 per year. The graduation rate is 50%, and the typical graduate earns $39,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

Eastern Kentucky University is a public university in Richmond, Kentucky, United States. It also maintains branch campuses in Corbin, Hazard, and Manchester and offers over 40 online undergraduate and graduate options.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just under $10,000/year net price and only $14,929 in median debt at graduation, EKU is genuinely affordable — but a 50% graduation rate means there's real risk of paying for a degree you may not finish. If you're considering this school, it's worth asking hard questions about academic support and your specific program's outcomes, since the median earnings of $39,300 a decade out suggest most graduates aren't landing high-paying careers. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious, drawn to fields like criminal justice or education (EKU's traditional strengths), and have a clear plan to stay on track.

Founded
1874
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Health Professions14%
Business & Marketing13%
Psychology10%
Education5%
Biological Sciences3%
Communications3%
Social Sciences2%
Visual & Performing Arts2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Thaksin ShinawatraLee MajorsJ. C. W. BeckhamCorey WaldenDan Patrick

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1089
Reading 75th %ile600
Math 75th %ile590

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite21

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$10,130
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,820
Avg Net Price
$9,962
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants39%
Median debt at graduation$14,929

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
50%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
80%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$39,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,929
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,929
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$32,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$39,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.6x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White80%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (11,674 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Eastern Kentucky University

521 Lancaster Ave

Richmond, KY 40475-3102

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Kentucky

Browse all Kentucky schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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