From community and opportunity to affordability and career preparation, EKU offers pathways to help every student reach their goals.
With a beautiful campus, high-demand degree programs, flexible learning options and generous scholarships, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) stands out as one of the best public universities in Kentucky. Prioritizing affordability and opportunity, EKU is the largest public comprehensive university in Kentucky for student enrollment, has earned recognition as an Opportunity College by the Carnegie Foundation and is ranked No. 1 nationally for Military Friendly® Schools.
“EKU is a supportive community where students explore their interests, define their passions and transform their future,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “As the first in my family to graduate from college, I can attest to the transformational power of an EKU education—setting the trajectory for a fulfilling and meaningful future.”
Pathways to Community
Conveniently located in Richmond, Kentucky, EKU offers the benefits of a close-knit campus with easy access to larger cities like Lexington, Louisville and Cincinnati. With a 15-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and more than 15,000 students, EKU provides a personalized college experience with support and resources that encourage student success.
Beyond academics, there’s always something to do at EKU, with more than 250 student organizations, NCAA Division I athletics, club sports and intramural teams. The Eastern Experience comes with a vibrant campus environment, from concerts to student life events.
“Choosing EKU has provided me not just with an education, but with a community that helped me grow personally, academically and professionally,” said 2025 graduate, Faye Briggs.
Pathways to Opportunity
Opportunity is central to EKU’s mission. Half of new freshmen are first-generation college students. Career outcomes reflect a commitment to student success, with nearly eight out of 10 EKU graduates reporting full-time employment within six months of graduation and an average starting salary of $50,000. EKU statewide employment outcomes are the highest among Kentucky public universities for bachelor’s degrees three years from graduation—fueling Kentucky’s workforce.
For Anna Swan, ’25, “EKU has been more than just a place to earn a degree; it has been the bridge between my personal story and my future career.”
Pathways to Affordability
EKU’s commitment to students starts with affordability. A degree earned at EKU is a responsible investment, with tuition rates lower than the national average. The out-of-state rate is among the lowest of public institutions in Kentucky, and it’s also one of the most competitive rates in the country.
Additionally, EKU offers a wide range of scholarships, with more than 80% of students receiving financial aid. For Fall 2026, EKU is the only university in Kentucky to offer a scholarship for every in-state, full-time, on-campus freshman.
Find Your Career Pathway
While at EKU, students choose from more than 100 academic fields available on campus, online or both. Top enrolled programs include psychology, education, criminal justice, social work, aviation, nursing and business. With options ranging from professional certificates to doctoral degrees, EKU offers a path for every step of the educational journey.
Every Path Made Possible. Learn more and apply for free at eku.edu/apply.
By Ethan Sirles
Interested in a degree from EKU?
Earn your undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree from a university that has been an education leader for more than 100 years. Choose from a variety of in-demand and nationally recognized academic programs, offered both online and on-campus.
Whether you want to start, finish or advance your education, EKU has a program that can fit your schedule and your needs. Complete the form to learn more about how EKU can help advance your career.
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.