Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution in Richmond, Kentucky with 11,674 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $10,130 compared with a Kentucky nursing-school average of $15,942. The school reports a graduation rate of 49.7%, median earnings of $45,795, and median federal debt of $22,500.
$10,130 is lower than the state average of $15,942.
49.7% is higher than the state average of 48.5%.
$45,795 is higher than the state average of $39,372.
About Eastern Kentucky University
| Location | Richmond, Kentucky |
| Institution Type | Public |
| Highest Degree | graduate |
| Website | www.eku.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $10,130 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $20,820 |
| Total Enrollment | 11,674 |
| Acceptance Rate | 78.1% |
| Graduation Rate | 49.7% |
| Retention Rate | 79.6% |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $45,795 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,500 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $238 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 38.6% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 42.8% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.5 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
38.6% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 42.8% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is less common than at many institutions in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at Eastern Kentucky University depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $40,520, while the reported median debt is $22,500 with an estimated monthly payment of $238. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
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Student Demographics
The student body is largest among White students (79.8%), followed by Black students (6.8%) and Hispanic students (5.5%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($45,795) divided by median debt ($22,500)