Richmond, KY · Private University
Is Eastern Kentucky University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$45,795
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$10,130
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,820
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$83,280
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.20x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
7.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
49.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$22,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$9,962
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Eastern Kentucky University graduates earn $795 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Eastern Kentucky University ranked by graduate earnings
45 graduates
113 graduates
26 graduates
59 graduates
255 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Eastern Kentucky University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Eastern Kentucky University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Construction Management: $83,711) and the lowest (Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other: $28,195) is $55,516/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Construction ManagementBest ROI | $83,711 | 4.0x |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians | $83,606 | 4.0x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $71,866 | 3.5x |
| Fire Protection | $66,925 | 3.2x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $66,658 | 3.2x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $64,922 | 3.1x |
| Air Transportation | $60,844 | 2.9x |
| Chemistry | $57,563 | 2.8x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $55,383 | 2.7x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $52,446 | 2.5x |
| Insurance | $51,648 | 2.5x |
| Homeland Security | $51,629 | 2.5x |
| Marketing | $50,327 | 2.4x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $48,429 | 2.3x |
| Political Science and Government | $47,215 | 2.3x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $46,726 | 2.2x |
| Management Information Systems and Services(1yr data) | $46,623 | 2.2x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $43,102 | 2.1x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $42,270 | 2.0x |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $42,222 | 2.0x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services(1yr data) | $41,328 | 2.0x |
| Social Work | $40,235 | 1.9x |
| Biology, General | $39,985 | 1.9x |
| Agricultural Production Operations | $39,385 | 1.9x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $39,222 | 1.9x |
| Public Health | $38,909 | 1.9x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $38,073 | 1.8x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $37,665 | 1.8x |
| History | $37,167 | 1.8x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $36,975 | 1.8x |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management | $36,641 | 1.8x |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $36,176 | 1.7x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,043 | 1.7x |
| Music | $34,419 | 1.6x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $33,573 | 1.6x |
| Psychology, General | $33,394 | 1.6x |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations(1yr data) | $33,100 | 1.6x |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management | $33,045 | 1.6x |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $31,604 | 1.5x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $28,880 | 1.4x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, OtherLowest(1yr data) | $28,195 | 1.4x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Eastern Kentucky University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $45,795 10 years after starting, $795 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 7.7 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.