At $9,962/yr net price, Eastern Kentucky University graduates earn $45,795/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,795/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,962 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,848 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,795/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,795/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,107/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,006/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,326/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,213/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,362/yr |
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 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $22,312 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $24,500 |
The Risk Factor
49.7% of students at Eastern Kentucky University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Eastern Kentucky University delivers below-average returns with significant graduation risk. The median earnings of $45,795 ten years after enrollment fall short of what you need to justify even the relatively low $9,962 annual net price, especially when half of students never graduate.
Nursing programs stand out as clear financial winners, with graduates earning $90,000 to $110,000 annually. However, nursing students carry $54,949 in debt, nearly triple the school median. Protective services programs offer solid middle-class earnings around $74,000 with more manageable debt loads. Engineering-related fields also break $70,000, though specific debt data isn't available.
The 49.7% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. You face nearly even odds of leaving without a degree but potentially with debt. The 79.6% retention rate suggests many students recognize early that EKU isn't working for them.
EKU works financially if you target high-earning programs like nursing or protective services and can handle the graduation requirements successfully. The low sticker price makes it accessible for Kentucky residents seeking practical career training. However, students considering liberal arts, education, or other lower-earning majors should look elsewhere given the graduation risk.
Financial aid reaches only 38.6% of students, below national averages. This suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities beyond basic state aid. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree quickly in a high-earning program, as the longer you stay, the more the low graduation rate becomes a personal financial threat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eastern Kentucky University worth the cost?
Eastern Kentucky University offers decent value for in-state students with a net price around $10,000 annually and moderate debt levels. However, the 50% graduation rate and $45,795 median earnings present concerns about completing your degree and return on investment.
What are the highest paying majors at Eastern Kentucky University?
Nursing programs at Eastern Kentucky University lead earnings with graduates making $90,000-$110,000 annually. Engineering-related fields and homeland security programs also perform well, with graduates earning $69,000-$74,000 per year.
How much student debt do Eastern Kentucky University graduates have?
Eastern Kentucky University graduates carry a median debt of $22,500, which is manageable compared to national averages. The debt-to-income ratio works better for nursing and engineering graduates than for lower-paying programs.
Does Eastern Kentucky University have good job placement after graduation?
Eastern Kentucky University's job placement varies significantly by program, with nursing and protective services showing strong employment outcomes. The overall 50% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs, which limits job prospects.