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Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern EKU

Richmond, Kentucky 40475-3102

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Campus Vibe

Large UniversityRuralPublic

Known for health sciences — excellent value

Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution in Richmond with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1089, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A large campus of 11.7K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.

50% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $45,795 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $9,962.

Established
1874
Mascot
Colonels
Type
Public university
Division
Division I

Plan Your Visit

78%Acceptance
1089SAT Avg
11,674Students
15:1Student:Faculty
50%Grad Rate
$45,795Earnings 10yr
$9,962Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Eastern Kentucky University Launches New Data Science Minor

Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate78.1%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1089

Reading & WritingMid: 535
480600
MathMid: 530
450590

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 21
1724

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

78.1%

Trend

SAT Avg

1089

Yield Rate

35.0%

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Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$10,130
Tuition (out-of-state)$20,820
Room & Board$11,735
Books & Supplies$0
Total Cost of Attendance$22,265
Average Net Price$9,962
Median Debt at Graduation$22,500
Monthly Payment (10yr)$239

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$7,107
$30–48K$7,006
$48–75K$9,326
$75–110K$14,213
$110K+$15,362

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Net Price Trend

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

57.2%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$14,929

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Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

77

Peer Average

92

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Incident Breakdown (2024)

16

Burglary

3

Aggravated Assault

2

Robbery

5

Motor Vehicle Theft

9

Sex Offenses

1

Arson

23

Drug Arrests

18

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (145)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

80%

Negative
  • •80% first-year retention rate
  • •Active student organizations
  • •Engaged campus community

Mental Health Services

Counselor Ratio

1:350

24/7 Crisis Line

Yes

Free Sessions

12 per year

Avg Wait

5 days

Walk-in hours available weekdays

Disability Services

Dedicated OfficeOffice of Disability Services
Extended test timeNote-taking assistanceHousing accommodationsAccessible transportation

ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements

Dining

Rating

★★★★☆

Score

4/5

Meal Plan

$6,200/yr

VegetarianVeganGluten-freeHalalKosher

Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options

Student Body

Undergrads
11,674
Gender Split
60% / 40%
Women / Men
First Generation
40%
Pell Grant Recipients
39%

Race & Ethnicity

White 80%
Black 7%
Hispanic 6%
Asian 1%
Two+ 5%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate49.7%
Freshman Retention79.6%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$38,611
10 Years$45,795

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#329
—
vs 2024

More About This School

History & Fun Facts

  • •Beckham signed legislation which established the Eastern Kentucky State Normal School No.
  • •On May 7, 1906, the Normal School Commission selected the site of the former Central University campus as the location of this new college; EKU remains at this location today.
  • •Renaming In 1922, the Eastern Kentucky State Normal School No.
  • •1 changed its name to Eastern Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers College, and the transformed college awarded its first degrees under that name in 1925.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

112Above Average

Housing and food costs are higher than national average

Climate (School Year)

68°
Sep
55°
Oct
42°
Nov
30°
Dec
25°
Jan
28°
Feb
38°
Mar
50°
Apr
62°
May
Snowfall: 48"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 120

Nearest Cities

Bostonpop. 675,647
90 miles(95 min)
Hartfordpop. 121,054
60 miles(70 min)

Transit Scores

BikeableCampus shuttle: Free campus shuttle runs 7am-midnight
72
Walk Score
45
Transit Score
68
Bike Score

Local Economy

Unemployment Rate3.2%
Top Employers
UniversityRegional Medical CenterTech corridor firms
Key Industries
EducationHealthcareTechnology

Getting There

Nearest Airports

CVG Cincinnati93 mi
BNA Nashville172 mi
CMH Columbus173 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA769 mi · ~22h 13m drive
New York, NY588 mi · ~16h 59m drive
Hartford, CT677 mi · ~19h 33m drive
Providence, RI739 mi · ~21h 21m drive
Albany, NY651 mi · ~18h 48m drive
Syracuse, NY564 mi · ~16h 18m drive
Rochester, NY513 mi · ~14h 49m drive
Buffalo, NY456 mi · ~13h 10m drive
Philadelphia, PA515 mi · ~14h 53m drive
Pittsburgh, PA297 mi · ~8h 35m drive
Harrisburg, PA435 mi · ~12h 34m drive
Newark, NJ580 mi · ~16h 45m drive
Washington, DC402 mi · ~11h 37m drive
Baltimore, MD429 mi · ~12h 24m drive
Atlanta, GA276 mi · ~7h 58m drive
Charlotte, NC259 mi · ~7h 29m drive
Raleigh, NC341 mi · ~9h 51m drive
Miami, FL862 mi · ~24h 54m drive
Orlando, FL658 mi · ~19h 1m drive
Tampa, FL685 mi · ~19h 47m drive
Nashville, TN175 mi · ~5h 3m drive
New Orleans, LA632 mi · ~18h 15m drive
Richmond, VA376 mi · ~10h 52m drive
Chicago, IL336 mi · ~9h 42m drive
Detroit, MI324 mi · ~9h 22m drive
Minneapolis, MN682 mi · ~19h 42m drive
St. Louis, MO326 mi · ~9h 25m drive
Kansas City, MO564 mi · ~16h 18m drive
Indianapolis, IN172 mi · ~4h 58m drive
Columbus, OH169 mi · ~4h 53m drive
Cleveland, OH294 mi · ~8h 30m drive
Milwaukee, WI412 mi · ~11h 54m drive
Dallas, TX783 mi · ~22h 37m drive
Houston, TX841 mi · ~24h 18m drive
Austin, TX926 mi · ~26h 45m drive
San Antonio, TX997 mi · ~28h 48m drive
Los Angeles, CA1906 mi · ~55h 4m drive
San Francisco, CA2068 mi · ~59h 45m drive
San Diego, CA1877 mi · ~54h 13m drive
Seattle, WA2025 mi · ~58h 30m drive
Portland, OR2032 mi · ~58h 42m drive
Denver, CO1121 mi · ~32h 23m drive
Phoenix, AZ1582 mi · ~45h 42m drive
Salt Lake City, UT1485 mi · ~42h 54m drive
Honolulu, HI4455 mi · ~128h 42m drive
Mid-Atlantic / Central (moderate winters, warm summers)

Visit Planning

Suggested Itinerary

9:00 AMArrive & park
Visitor parking lot
Free parking with visitor pass
9:30 AMCheck in at Admissions
Admissions Office
10:00 AMInformation session
Welcome Center
45 minutes
11:00 AMCampus tour
Starts at Welcome Center
75 minutes, student-led
12:30 PMLunch
Main Dining Hall
Visitor meal passes available
1:30 PMDepartment visit
Academic buildings
Schedule with department directly
2:30 PMExplore campus independently
Library, student center, residence halls

Airport Transit

Cincinnati (CVG)93 miles
Rental car
140 min$40-60/day
Shuttle/rideshare
186 min$112-186
Nashville (BNA)172 miles
Rental car
258 min$40-60/day
Shuttle/rideshare
344 min$206-344

Deadline Calendar

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Eastern Kentucky University Application Checklist

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Decision Notifications

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Eastern Kentucky University — v2 Preview — TourStack