About Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University builds teachers and criminal justice professionals for the Commonwealth. This regional full university enrolls 11,674 students in Richmond, a college town about 25 miles southeast of Lexington. The school has deep roots in education, dating back to 1874, and continues producing many of Kentucky's teachers and law enforcement officers. Notable graduates include PGA Tour golfer Kenny Perry and former NFL running back Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala.
The financial picture works for Kentucky families. Students pay an average net price of $9,962 after aid, with low-income families paying just $7,107. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings reach $45,795. Students typically graduate with $22,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $239. The employment rate hits 95.5% within six months of graduation.
Nearly 85% of students come from Kentucky, creating a tight-knit campus community. The student body is 60% female and predominantly white at 79.78%. Eastern competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Colonels with 14 varsity sports and 381 student-athletes. The graduation rates tell a challenging story, with only 49.7% finishing within six years and a 79.6% retention rate after freshman year.
The financial picture works for Kentucky families. Students pay an average net price of $9,962 after aid, with low-income families paying just $7,107. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings reach $45,795. Students typically graduate with $22,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $239. The employment rate hits 95.5% within six months of graduation.
Nearly 85% of students come from Kentucky, creating a tight-knit campus community. The student body is 60% female and predominantly white at 79.78%. Eastern competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Colonels with 14 varsity sports and 381 student-athletes. The graduation rates tell a challenging story, with only 49.7% finishing within six years and a 79.6% retention rate after freshman year.
Academics & Faculty
Eastern Kentucky builds teachers, police officers, and public servants for the Commonwealth. The university operates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing solid access to professors in smaller classes. Criminal justice ranks among EKU's signature programs, feeding graduates into law enforcement agencies across Kentucky. The College of Education has trained generations of Kentucky teachers, making it a pipeline for the state's schools. With a 49.7% six-year graduation rate, about half of students complete their degrees within the typical timeframe. The university focuses on practical, career-oriented programs rather than theoretical research. Students find strong support in professional fields like nursing, occupational therapy, and fire safety engineering.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 56.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 49.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.7%
- Retention Rate
- 79.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,795
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $110,878 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $90,291 |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other. | Master | $74,105 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $70,456 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Bachelor | $63,749 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $60,523 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $60,523 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
Campus Life
Eastern Kentucky's Richmond campus sits 26 miles southeast of Lexington, where rolling Kentucky hills meet the Daniel Boone National Forest. With housing capacity for 4,688 students out of 11,674 total enrollment, about 40% live on campus in residence halls that create a close-knit community feel. You'll need both winter coats and shorts here - Kentucky's four-season climate brings snowy winters and humid summers.
The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially important since Eastern produces more teachers than almost any Kentucky university. Students gather at the Powell Building's food court between classes or study in the Crabbe Library's quiet corners. With 84.54% of students from Kentucky, weekends often mean trips home or cheering for the Colonels at Roy Kidd Stadium, named after Eastern's legendary football coach. Greek life and intramural sports keep campus active, while Richmond's small-town charm offers local restaurants and outdoor activities in the nearby mountains. The strong criminal justice program draws students interested in law enforcement careers throughout Appalachia.
The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially important since Eastern produces more teachers than almost any Kentucky university. Students gather at the Powell Building's food court between classes or study in the Crabbe Library's quiet corners. With 84.54% of students from Kentucky, weekends often mean trips home or cheering for the Colonels at Roy Kidd Stadium, named after Eastern's legendary football coach. Greek life and intramural sports keep campus active, while Richmond's small-town charm offers local restaurants and outdoor activities in the nearby mountains. The strong criminal justice program draws students interested in law enforcement careers throughout Appalachia.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 4,688 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1874
Campus Safety (2023)
65 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 11 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Rape | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–40°F
- July Avg
- 64°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 92.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 15.5"
Student Demographics
Eastern Kentucky draws overwhelmingly from within state borders, with 85% of students calling Kentucky home. This regional pull reflects the university's deep roots as a teacher preparation institution and its strong reputation for criminal justice programs throughout the Commonwealth. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, showing EKU's commitment to serving working-class Kentucky families. Women make up 60% of enrollment, which aligns with the school's history in education and social services fields. The student body of 11,674 creates a close-knit community where most students share similar backgrounds and career aspirations in public service.
- Men
- 40.2%
- Women
- 59.8%
- White
- 79.8%
- Black
- 6.8%
- Hispanic
- 5.5%
- Asian
- 1.3%
- In-State Students
- 84.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 38.6%
Location
Eastern Kentucky University sits in Richmond, Kentucky, about 25 miles southeast of Lexington. The town of 35,000 residents sits in the rolling hills of central Kentucky's Bluegrass region. Richmond maintains a classic college town atmosphere where the university's 11,674 students make up a significant portion of the local population. The campus lies in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, providing a scenic backdrop with nearby Daniel Boone National Forest offering outdoor recreation. Students enjoy a small-town feel while staying connected to Kentucky's second-largest metropolitan area. The setting appeals to those seeking a traditional college experience away from urban distractions. Students considering colleges in Kentucky may also compare Eastern Kentucky University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Richmond, Kentucky 40475-3102
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,795
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,636
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 48.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $239/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Eastern Kentucky University?
Eastern Kentucky University accepts 64.31% of applicants. The school serves as Kentucky's regional comprehensive university, making it accessible to students with SAT scores averaging 1063 and ACT scores around 21.
How much does Eastern Kentucky University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,962 annually. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,107 after aid, while the school keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition at $10,130.
What is Eastern Kentucky University known for academically?
Eastern Kentucky excels in criminal justice programs and teacher preparation, supplying educators throughout Kentucky. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, the university focuses on practical career training across its comprehensive program offerings.
What are the graduation outcomes at Eastern Kentucky University?
Eastern Kentucky graduates 49.70% of students within six years, with a median salary of $45,795 ten years after graduation. The 95.5% employment rate reflects the university's emphasis on career-ready programs, though graduates carry a median debt of $22,500.
Where is Eastern Kentucky University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in Richmond, Kentucky, a small town setting that houses 11,674 students. With 4,688 beds available and 84.54% of students from Kentucky, campus life centers around the Colonels' 14 Division I athletic programs and strong in-state community connections.
Does Eastern Kentucky University offer good financial aid for Kentucky residents?
Kentucky families benefit from staying in-state, with 38.61% receiving Pell Grants and many paying the $10,130 in-state rate. The university awards institutional grants averaging $10,215 to 17.64% of students, keeping education affordable for regional families.
