Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 37.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 39.1%
- Retention Rate
- 64.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $48,231
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,679
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 41.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $219/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. | Associate | $63,005 | $15,750 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $53,842 | $246,625 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $37,424 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $22,330 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $31,423 | $16,806 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $29,322 | $24,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,353 | $21,425 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $24,267 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $23,579 | $20,191 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $22,880 |
Outcomes Overview
University of Pikeville graduates earn a median salary of $48,231 after ten years, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 43%. Monthly loan payments of $219 consume about 5.5% of typical graduate income. The 91.3% employment rate reflects strong job placement, particularly for health sciences graduates who often enter Kentucky's healthcare systems or pursue residencies after completing the osteopathic medicine program. Many alumni work as physicians, nurses, and healthcare administrators throughout Appalachia. The relatively low debt burden of $20,679 helps offset modest starting salaries. While earnings lag behind national averages for college graduates, the affordable education and regional healthcare opportunities create an average return on investment for students committed to serving eastern Kentucky communities.