Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Eastern Kentucky University
Set in Kentucky hill country, Eastern Kentucky University is known for practical, career-focused learning. Faculty lean into mentoring, with strengths across teaching, health, business, public safety, and the liberal arts. Learning spills into labs, studios, and simulation spaces, backed by a lively library, tutoring, advising, and counseling. A big rec center, maker-style workspaces, and a campus performing arts venue round out the day-to-day resources.
Student life feels friendly and down to earth. You'll see maroon on game days, music on the central lawn, and clubs that blend service with fun. Richmond adds coffee shops and quick access to trails and rivers. Career prep runs through co-ops and internships with regional schools, hospitals, and businesses. The Colonel spirit and long-held traditions keep the place close-knit.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers 116 degree programs across 28 major academic fields, graduating approximately 3,575 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (15 programs, 535 graduates), Business (13 programs, 485 graduates), Security & Safety (12 programs, 474 graduates), Education (18 programs, 359 graduates) and Psychology (5 programs, 340 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Health (15 programs, 535 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 215 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.3801 |
| Occupational Therapy | 125 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (P)
|
51.2306 |
| Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology | 56 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.0204 |
| Emergency Medical Technology | 34 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
51.0904 |
| Health Information Administration | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0706 |
| Public Health Education and Promotion | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.2207 |
| Environmental Health | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.2202 |
| Public Health | 9 |
|
Master's
|
51.2201 |
| Nursing Practice | 9 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
51.3818 |
| Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.1005 |
| Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene | 6 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
51.2206 |
| Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing | 5 |
|
Post-Master's
|
51.3810 |
| Athletic Training | 3 |
|
Master's
|
51.0913 |
| Family Practice Nursing | 3 |
|
Post-Master's
|
51.3805 |
| Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality | 1 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
51.2213 |
Business (13 programs, 485 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | 136 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
52.0101 |
| Marketing Management | 107 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
52.1401 |
| Accounting | 56 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
| Finance, General | 50 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0801 |
| Insurance Studies | 36 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1701 |
| Business Administration and Management | 33 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0201 |
| Construction Management | 19 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.2001 |
| Logistics and Supply Chain Management | 13 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0203 |
| Financial Planning and Services | 13 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0804 |
| Management Information Systems | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1201 |
| Hospitality Management | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
52.0901 |
| Banking and Financial Services | 4 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0803 |
| Fashion Merchandising | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1902 |
Security & Safety (12 programs, 474 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice Administration | 161 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
43.0103 |
| Protective Services | 88 |
|
Master's
|
43.9999 |
| Homeland Security | 41 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
43.0301 |
| CNC Machinist Technology | 37 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
43.0102 |
| Fire Investigation and Prevention | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0205 |
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 24 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
43.0107 |
| Fire Prevention and Safety Technology | 24 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
43.0201 |
| Securities Services Management | 22 |
|
Other Award
|
43.0112 |
| Crisis and Emergency Management | 21 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
43.0302 |
| Criminal Justice and Safety Studies | 19 |
|
Master's
|
43.0104 |
| Fire Services Administration | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0202 |
| Cyber and Computer Forensics | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0403 |
Education (18 programs, 359 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Psychology (5 programs, 340 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 286 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
42.0101 |
| Clinical Psychology | 22 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (P)
|
42.2801 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychology | 16 |
|
Master's
|
42.2804 |
| Applied Behavior Analysis | 9 |
|
Post-Master's
|
42.2814 |
| Psychology | 7 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
42.9999 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 184 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies | 184 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
24.0102 |
Public Services (3 programs, 178 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work | 132 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
44.0701 |
| Public Administration | 30 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
44.0401 |
| Youth Services Administration | 16 |
|
Other Award
|
44.0702 |
Eng. Technologies (5 programs, 160 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Safety Technology | 110 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
15.0703 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
15.1299 |
| Industrial Engineering Management | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
15.1501 |
| Industrial Technology | 13 |
|
Associate's
|
15.0612 |
| Surveying Technology | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
15.1102 |
Kinesiology (3 programs, 138 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 68 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
31.0505 |
| Sport and Fitness Management | 52 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0504 |
| Parks and Recreation Management | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
31.0301 |
Physical Sciences (4 programs, 70 graduates)
Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Chemistry | 41 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0510 |
| Chemistry | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
40.0501 |
| Geology and Earth Science | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0601 |
| Physics | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0801 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)
How much does it cost to attend Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)?
The annual tuition at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is $10,130 for in-state students and $20,820 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $24,665 for in-state students and $35,355 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $11,735 .
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Eastern Kentucky University offer?
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers 116 academic programs across 28 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Professional), Doctorate (Other), Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (15 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (13 programs)
- Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (12 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (18 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (5 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Eastern Kentucky University?
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has an 78.1% acceptance rate and a 20.9% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 17,082
- Students admitted: 13,340
- Students enrolled: 2,782
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Eastern Kentucky University?
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) provides financial aid to 21% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $11,460 and average loans of $6,100.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,144
- State/Local grants: $3,956
- Institutional grants: $6,161
- Federal loans: $4,796
The university supports 2,483 students with grants and 1,152 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Eastern Kentucky University graduates?
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) graduates earn a median salary of $38,611 after 6 years and $45,795 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $29,173 (25th percentile) to $66,400 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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