About University of Pikeville
Students pay an average net price of $13,591 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving working-class families. Graduates earn a median of $48,231 ten years after enrollment, though they typically carry $20,679 in debt with monthly payments around $219. The health sciences focus generally leads to solid career prospects, with a 91.3% employment rate for graduates.
Athletics play a major role in campus culture, with 532 student-athletes competing across 23 NAIA sports as the Bears. The university awards over $3.5 million in athletic scholarships annually. About 80% of students come from Kentucky, and the 662-bed housing capacity means most experience traditional residential college life. However, the 39% six-year graduation rate suggests students should be prepared for academic challenges.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 56.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 37.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 39.1%
- Retention Rate
- 64.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,231
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $63,005 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $53,842 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $37,424 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $31,423 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $29,322 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,353 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $24,267 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $23,579 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $22,880 |
Campus Life
Campus life revolves around the Bears' 23 varsity sports teams, with 532 student-athletes making up nearly half the student body. The NAIA athletics program creates a strong sense of school spirit despite the small size. The 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the Presbyterian heritage still influences campus culture through service opportunities. Weekends often center on athletic events, outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains, or trips to nearby Natural Bridge State Park. With 79.67% of students coming from Kentucky, many go home on weekends, but those who stay find a close community where everyone knows each other.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 662 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1889
Campus Safety (2023)
10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 23°–42°F
- July Avg
- 62°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.5%
- Women
- 55.5%
- White
- 82.0%
- Black
- 6.2%
- Hispanic
- 2.6%
- Asian
- 0.9%
- In-State Students
- 79.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.7%
Location
- Address
- Pikeville, Kentucky 41501
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,231
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,770
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 41.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $219/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,679
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Pikeville?
University of Pikeville maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,140 total students. This small size creates an intimate learning environment that's especially valuable for the university's health sciences programs, including its well-known osteopathic medicine school.
How much does University of Pikeville cost after financial aid?
The average net price at University of Pikeville is $13,591, lower than the published tuition of $24,150. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $11,218, making this private Presbyterian university surprisingly affordable for low-income families.
What is University of Pikeville known for academically?
University of Pikeville is best known for its osteopathic medicine program and strong health sciences offerings. With 23 varsity sports and $3.5 million in athletic scholarships, the Bears also emphasize athletics alongside academics in this small eastern Kentucky town.
What are the graduation rates at University of Pikeville?
University of Pikeville has a 37% four-year graduation rate and 39% six-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $48,231 ten years after graduation, with a 91.3% employment rate showing strong career outcomes despite the modest graduation rates.
Where is University of Pikeville located and what is campus life like?
University of Pikeville sits in a remote town setting in Pikeville, Kentucky, with housing for 662 students out of 1,140 total enrollment. Nearly 80% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere in the Appalachian region.
How many athletes does University of Pikeville have?
University of Pikeville has 532 athletes competing across 23 varsity sports at the NAIA level. This means nearly half of the entire 1,140-student body participates in varsity athletics, making the Bears one of the most athletics-focused small universities in the region.
