Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 49.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.7%
- Retention Rate
- 79.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $45,795
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,500
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 48.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $239/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $110,878 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $90,291 | $54,949 |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other. | Master | $74,105 | $30,616 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $70,456 | |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $30,849 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Bachelor | $63,749 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $60,523 | $41,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $60,523 | |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $24,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $22,312 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Bachelor | $55,840 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $52,822 | $17,613 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,684 | $21,464 |
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $49,787 | $27,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $49,644 |
Outcomes Overview
Eastern Kentucky graduates earn a median of $45,795 ten years after graduation, while carrying $22,500 in typical debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 49% falls within reasonable bounds for a regional university. Monthly loan payments of $239 consume about 6.3% of gross monthly income, which financial advisors consider manageable. The 95.5% employment rate reflects strong regional demand for EKU's signature programs. Many graduates enter teaching, criminal justice, and healthcare fields that serve Kentucky communities. The university's deep roots in educator preparation mean alumni often find stable public sector positions. With modest debt loads and steady employment prospects in essential services, Eastern Kentucky delivers an average return on investment for students seeking practical career preparation.