At $13,591/yr net price, University of Pikeville graduates earn $48,231/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,231/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,591 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $54,364 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,231/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,231/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,679 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,218/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,537/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,903/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,821/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,953/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. | 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 |
The Risk Factor
39.1% of students at University of Pikeville graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
University of Pikeville delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $63,005 annually while carrying just $15,750 in debt, making it one of the strongest ROI options in Appalachian Kentucky.
Your program selection matters enormously here. While nursing graduates see solid returns, education majors earn $31,423 with $16,806 in debt, and criminal justice graduates face $22,330 in debt for $35,060 salaries. The business program shows weaker earnings at $37,424 annually with no debt data available.
The school carries significant completion risk with only 39% of students graduating and 64% returning after freshman year. You face a real chance of accumulating debt without finishing your degree. The median debt load of $20,679 stays reasonable, but only if you actually graduate.
This school works best if you plan to study nursing or stay in eastern Kentucky after graduation, where the $48,231 median salary goes further than in major cities. The $13,591 annual net price makes it accessible, though with nearly 40% of students receiving aid, you should expect financial assistance to play a major role in affordability.
Avoid University of Pikeville if you need strong career services, diverse program options, or plan to compete for jobs in major metropolitan markets. The low graduation and retention rates signal academic or financial struggles that could derail your degree completion. Focus on nursing if you enroll here, as other programs show weaker earning potential relative to debt loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Pikeville worth the cost?
University of Pikeville's low graduation rate of 39% and median earnings of $48,231 ten years after graduation make it a risky investment for most students. The school works best for students pursuing nursing or medicine, where earnings are significantly higher than the overall average.
What programs at University of Pikeville have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at University of Pikeville offer the strongest return on investment, with graduates earning around $63,000 annually. Medicine also pays well at $53,842, while education and criminal justice programs lead to below-average earnings of around $31,000-35,000.
How much debt do University of Pikeville graduates typically have?
University of Pikeville graduates carry a median debt of $20,679, which is manageable for nursing and medical graduates but concerning for those in lower-paying fields like education. With nearly 4 in 10 students not graduating, debt without a degree is a real risk.
Does University of Pikeville offer good financial aid?
University of Pikeville's net price of $13,591 per year is relatively affordable for a private college. However, the low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs despite the lower cost.