Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is now the third-largest public university in Kentucky for student enrollment, according to the latest data from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE). EKU reported total enrollment of 15,969 students for Fall 2025. With steady enrollment growth over the past few years, EKU became Kentucky’s largest regional public university for degree-seeking student enrollment as of Fall 2024.
“EKU’s climb to the third largest public university in the state reflects our intentional efforts in access to higher education, student success and academic excellence,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “More and more students choose EKU, and we’re proud to lead the state’s regional public universities in total enrollment, as well as Kentucky students—serving our state as the School of Opportunity.”
EKU’s total enrollment is third to the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, and ahead of all the state’s regional public universities, including Western Kentucky University, Northern Kentucky University, Murray State University and Morehead State University.
EKU continually places strategic emphasis on making higher education more affordable and accessible for students. The university has announced an expanded scholarship model for incoming Fall 2026 freshmen. With the introduction of the Promise Award, EKU will be the only university in Kentucky to offer a scholarship for every in-state freshman. EKU also reduced its out-of-state tuition rate by more than 40%, making it one of the most affordable public universities in the country for non-resident students.
With nearly 16,000 students and over 100 academic programs ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees, EKU prepares graduates to meet the evolving workforce needs of Kentucky and beyond. In 2025, EKU was named an “Opportunity College and University” by the Carnegie Foundation, a national distinction recognizing institutions that provide strong student access and higher-than-expected post-graduation earnings.
By: Jake Hall
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Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees.