About Morehead State University
Morehead State builds teachers, nurses, and space scientists in the hills of eastern Kentucky. The university enrolls 4,689 students and has earned national recognition for programs that serve both local communities and specialized fields like space science. NFL quarterback Phil Simms and NBA player Adrian Dantley both started their careers here. With an 84% acceptance rate, Morehead State welcomes most applicants to its remote campus setting.
The financial picture works in students' favor. Average net price hits just $10,089, making this one of Kentucky's more affordable options. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $7,561 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $43,197 ten years out, while typical debt loads reach $22,250. Monthly loan payments average $236, which most graduates can handle given the strong 95.2% employment rate.
Women outnumber men 60% to 40% on campus, and 85% of students come from Kentucky. The Eagles compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 311 athletes across 14 sports. Campus housing accommodates 3,200 students, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 69.5% retention rate suggests most students find their place, though the 47.7% six-year graduation rate indicates some struggle to finish.
The financial picture works in students' favor. Average net price hits just $10,089, making this one of Kentucky's more affordable options. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $7,561 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $43,197 ten years out, while typical debt loads reach $22,250. Monthly loan payments average $236, which most graduates can handle given the strong 95.2% employment rate.
Women outnumber men 60% to 40% on campus, and 85% of students come from Kentucky. The Eagles compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 311 athletes across 14 sports. Campus housing accommodates 3,200 students, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 69.5% retention rate suggests most students find their place, though the 47.7% six-year graduation rate indicates some struggle to finish.
Academics & Faculty
Morehead State built its reputation as a regional full university with particularly strong programs in education, nursing, and space science. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though the 47.7% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish. Nearly 85% of students come from Kentucky, reflecting the university's role as a regional educator pipeline. The space science program stands out nationally, while education remains a cornerstone given the school's teacher-training mission. Students also benefit from hands-on learning through Eagle Radio, which has earned national recognition. The nursing program attracts many of the 60% female student body.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 72.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 47.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.7%
- Retention Rate
- 69.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,197
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $61,516 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,919 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Certificate | $57,318 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $56,544 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $55,512 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,430 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $46,673 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $41,193 |
Campus Life
Morehead sits in the foothills of eastern Kentucky, about 80 miles from Lexington, where rolling hills meet Appalachian terrain. With housing capacity for 3,200 students and total enrollment of 4,689, roughly two-thirds of students live on campus. You'll need a winter coat for snowy January days and light layers for humid summers that reach the 80s.
The Eagles dominate weekend conversations, with 311 student-athletes competing across 14 sports in Division I competition. Students gather around Eagle Radio, the campus station that's launched dozens of broadcasting careers. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially important given that 85% of students come from in-state Kentucky communities. Weekend options include hiking nearby Cave Run Lake or catching Ohio Valley Conference games. The campus buzzes with education and nursing majors preparing for careers that serve rural Kentucky communities. With 60% women enrollment, the social scene tends toward close-knit friend groups rather than massive parties. Students often say Morehead feels like an extended family where everyone looks out for each other.
The Eagles dominate weekend conversations, with 311 student-athletes competing across 14 sports in Division I competition. Students gather around Eagle Radio, the campus station that's launched dozens of broadcasting careers. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially important given that 85% of students come from in-state Kentucky communities. Weekend options include hiking nearby Cave Run Lake or catching Ohio Valley Conference games. The campus buzzes with education and nursing majors preparing for careers that serve rural Kentucky communities. With 60% women enrollment, the social scene tends toward close-knit friend groups rather than massive parties. Students often say Morehead feels like an extended family where everyone looks out for each other.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 3,200 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1922
Campus Safety (2023)
17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–42°F
- July Avg
- 65°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 93.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- -760.8"
Student Demographics
Most Morehead State students come from Kentucky, reflecting the university's deep roots in Appalachian communities. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, largely due to strong education and nursing programs that traditionally attract female students. The student body is predominantly white, mirroring the regional demographics of eastern Kentucky. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves many first-generation college students from working-class families. This creates a close-knit campus where students often share similar backgrounds and understand the challenges of pursuing higher education in rural Appalachia.
- Men
- 39.6%
- Women
- 60.4%
- White
- 86.5%
- Black
- 3.1%
- Hispanic
- 3.2%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 85.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.7%
Location
Morehead sits in eastern Kentucky's Appalachian foothills, about 70 miles east of Lexington. The town of roughly 7,000 residents revolves around the university, making this a classic college town atmosphere. With 84.99% of students coming from in-state, most arrive already familiar with the region's rolling hills and tight-knit communities. The remote setting means students experience true small-town life, where faculty often know students by name thanks to the 14:1 student-faculty ratio. Outdoor recreation abounds in nearby Daniel Boone National Forest. Students considering colleges in Kentucky may also compare Morehead State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Morehead, Kentucky 40351
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,197
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,860
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 46.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $236/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Morehead State University?
Morehead State accepts 83.97% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The university draws primarily from Kentucky, with 85% of its 4,689 students coming from in-state.
How much does Morehead State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $10,089 annually, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $7,561. Graduates leave with a median debt of $22,250, which translates to monthly loan payments of $236.
What academic programs is Morehead State University known for?
Morehead State has strong programs in education, nursing, and space science. The university maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio and houses the nationally recognized Eagle Radio station.
Does Morehead State University have good job outcomes for graduates?
Graduates achieve a 95.2% employment rate, with median earnings of $43,197 ten years after graduation. However, only 47.7% of students complete their degree within six years.
Where is Morehead State University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in the remote town of Morehead, Kentucky, with housing capacity for 3,200 students. Women make up 60.4% of the student body, and the university fields 14 NCAA Division I sports teams in the Ohio Valley Conference.
What makes Morehead State University's athletics program notable?
The Eagles compete in NCAA Division I with 311 total athletes across 14 sports. The university invests $2,336,120 in athletic scholarships and has produced notable alumni like NFL quarterback Phil Simms and NBA player Adrian Dantley.
