EKU Student to Graduate at 18 Years Old

While most 18-year-olds are just starting college, Om Patel is getting ready to walk across the graduation stage at Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony and receive his bachelor’s degree in finance. Patel will be among the youngest graduating Colonels at this year’s ceremony, with graduates ranging from 18 to 72 years old.

Patel, from Liberty, Kentucky, finished high school at 16 years old by taking additional classes online. He graduated high school the same year as his older sister and followed her to EKU.

“It’s inspiring to hear the unique path each student takes to earn their degree at EKU,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “While we prepare to celebrate all of our graduates, I’m impressed by the enthusiasm and determination of students like Om, who pursue their education and immediately make an impact in their field.” 

Once at EKU, Patel maintained a similarly ambitious class load to what he had in high school. While he arrived on campus with no college credits, he accelerated his education by averaging approximately 20 credit hours per semester. Despite the heavy course load, Patel noted that he still found time to enjoy the college experience through residence life, clubs and various university events.

Initially unsure if he’d be able to graduate early,  he said, “My dad and I sat down with the school counselor and found a way to make it work.” 

Patel credits his father for helping make his accelerated path possible. While he has been a student, Patel has also worked alongside his father in the family business—allowing him to apply what he learned in the classroom in real time. For example, while taking a human resources class last semester, he simultaneously assisted in real-life interviewing and hiring processes.

Patel added that EKU faculty and his coursework helped him develop many of the skills necessary for business ownership. Presentations in classes required him to articulate thoughts, which he said helped him approach difficult conversations more confidently. 

“I’m really happy that we didn’t just sit there and do pencil-to-paper memory work all the time,” Patel said. “I think if we just did that, it would not have prepared me for the actual soft skills required for a career, whether it’s working for someone or building your own company.”

Looking ahead, he is focused on continuing to help expand his father’s gas station business, but is also looking forward to finding his own business opportunities. 

“I aspire to help our business become a national, maybe even international, company,” Patel said. “I’d love to be the operator of a large company that I started.” 

Though he plans to jump into his career headfirst after college, he wants to further his education in the future with a master’s degree.

“I like the idea of pursuing organizational management, because I really enjoyed those classes, and I think it would help when trying to build a larger organization,” he said.

For Patel, the possibilities are endless. Whether growing his family’s business, starting his own business, or pursuing a master’s degree, Patel, at 18 years old, feels equipped with the tools he needs to pursue the opportunities ahead.