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Eastern Kentucky University is a public, mid-sized university founded in 1906 with an inaugural graduating class of 11. After more than 100 years, the university has blossomed into a student body of roughly 15,000 students of whom 85% are undergraduates. The school is located in Richmond, Kentucky, which is about halfway between Lexington and the Daniel Boone National Forest.
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Overview of Eastern Kentucky University
All types of students are welcome at EKU including first-year students, transfer students, international students, graduate students, adult students, online students, and veteran students. The school is often regarded as the best for vets in Kentucky by the Military Times magazine, and it ranks in the top 10% of all universities nationally for vets, the reserves, national guard, and active military. All students have access to a variety of student resources and career planning.
Students can select from 108 degree programs with various concentrations and specializations that are available through five primary colleges. In addition to finding nearly any educational opportunities, the university offers a wide array of student life options and professional development services, activities, events, and more. It’s possible to take advantage of tutoring, mentoring, meditation, a writing center, counseling, community service, student government, and career services.
General Information
School Type | Public |
---|---|
Campus Setting | Town: Distant |
Campus Housing | Yes |
Student Faculty Ratio | 15 to 1 |
Graduation Rate | 45% |
Year Founded | 1906 |
Student Enrollment
Total Students14,980
12,662
2,318
Undergraduate Student
Male 5,445
Female 7,217
Graduate Student
Male 997
Female 1,321
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Top Rankings For Eastern Kentucky University
Admissions
APPLICATIONS8,975
ACCEPTANCE8,437
Acceptance Rate94%
Enrollment 2,362
Admissions | |
---|---|
Application Fee | $35 |
High School GPA | Required |
High School Rank | Recommended |
High School Transcripts | Required |
College Prep Courses | Required |
Recommendations | NA |
SAT/ACT | Required |
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Required |
Application Deadline | August 1 |
Common Application Accepted | Yes |
Tuition Cost & Financial Aid
Undergraduate students from any state in the US who enroll as a student in the fall of 2020 have access to the SMART Program. This program allows out-of-state students to receive similar tuition rates of in-state students at $5,150 per semester. This is lower than in-state tuition rates in some states. Outside of this program, students can expect an in-state rate of $9,876 each year and an out-of-state rate of $14,674.
Keep in mind that no matter the tuition rate, all students should expect to budget for another $15,000 or so to pay for living expenses. Many students secure financial assistance to pay for their higher learning experience at EKU. In fact, roughly 98% of students participate in some type of financial aid, including student loans and grants. Many students secure scholarships through the university and other scholarship providers. The school provides unique scholarships for freshmen, transfer students, and current students each year.
Average net price | 2018-2019 |
---|---|
Net Price | $14,674 |
Average Total Aid | $8,608 |
Students Receiving Financial Aid | 98% |
Room & Board | $10,476 |
Sticker Price
- Tuition In-State - $9,876
- Tuition Out-of-State - $19,948
- Books and Supplies - $1,200
- Room & Board - $10,476
- Other - $2,800
Academics
The academic opportunities at Eastern Kentucky University are nearly endless. Students can pursue over 100 degree programs in six colleges including letters, arts and social sciences, education, health sciences, science, business and technology, and justice and safety. Throughout each program, students will not only be exposed to a challenging curriculum but also essential skill development including creative and critical thinking, communication, and problem solving.
Academic support systems are also in place to help students succeed in an academic setting. Students have access to the Noel Studio for Academic Creativity, which is a center providing groups and individuals with spaces featuring tools and resources to assist with written and oral presentations. Another advantageous experiential learning center is the Center for Renewable and Alternative Fuel Technologies for students majoring in agriculture, biology, chemistry, economics, and environmental sciences. Yet another is the Center for the Arts. Study abroad programs and internships are also available to help provide hands-on opportunities that provide career advantages in the long term.
East Kentucky University has a decent retention rate of 75%. The four-year and six-year graduation rates are lower than average at 30% and 50%. And the student-to-faculty ratio is slightly higher than most students prefer at 15 to 1. A few of the reasons for the lower graduation rates may be attributed to the fact that students have access to more hands-on learning experiences outside of the classroom. This first-hand experience provides students with invaluable insights into careers and industries; however, it could possibly delay on-time graduation.
Retention
Rate
4 year
Graduation
Rate
6 year
Graduation
Rate
Student Population Total
Student Population 14,980
12,662
2,318
Most Popular Programs & Majors
(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)
Health Professions and Related Programs | 483 Total Graduates / 18% |
---|---|
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse | 221 Graduates |
Occupational Therapy/Therapist | 76 Graduates |
Public Health Education and Promotion | 53 Graduates |
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) | 31 Graduates |
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services | 354 Total Graduates / 13% |
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration | 175 Graduates |
Homeland Security | 76 Graduates |
Fire/Arson Investigation and Prevention | 31 Graduates |
Fire Services Administration | 22 Graduates |
All Business Majors | 333 Total Graduates / 12% |
Accounting | 57 Graduates |
Business Administration and Management, General | 54 Graduates |
Business/Commerce, General | 54 Graduates |
Marketing/Marketing Management, General | 49 Graduates |
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 233 Total Graduates / 9% |
General Studies | 232 Graduates |
Humanities/Humanistic Studies | 1 Graduates |
All Psychology Majors | 184 Total Graduates / 7% |
Psychology, General | 184 Graduates |
All Other Diplomas | 415 |
Outcome & Salary
Between the academic services and the career services that are available at EKU, students start their careers off in the right way. Academic services are available in the form of advising, schedule reviewing, changing your major. These services help push students in their academics so that they stand out from all other applicants in their job search. It’s even possible to live chat with advisors so that a student does not have to take the extra time away from studying to meet in person.
Career services work with students to prepare for life in the real world. These services help to select the right major to match the right career, critique resumes, host mock interviews, and provide career consultations. They will also help to arrange for co-ops and internships, as well as part-time job searches. Students will also have access to the Dress for Success Closet, which provides students with access to appropriate attire to attend job fairs, networking events, and interviews.
Graduates Salary | |
---|---|
College Grads Early Career Salary | $43,100 |
College Grads Average Salary | $60,418 |
College Grads Mid Career Salary | $59,200 |
Return on Investment (ROI) | |
---|---|
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential | $604,180 |
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential | $1,196,180 |
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year | $58,696 |
10 Year Projected ROI | $545,484 |
20 Year Projected ROI | $1,137,484 |
No College Education Salary Comparison | |
---|---|
National Average Salary | $38,792 |
10 Year Projected Income | $387,920 |
20 Year Projected Income | $775,840 |
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