Eastern vs. EWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY with Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Kentucky University is larger than EWU based on total student enrollment (15,673 students vs. 10,492 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond, KY (Distant Town setting); Eastern Washington University is in Cheney, WA (Town Fringe setting).
• Eastern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Kentucky University 17:1; Eastern Washington University 18:1.

Eastern vs. EWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Eastern or EWU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Eastern Kentucky University than EWU ($12,279 vs. $14,767).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Kentucky University are 21.2% lower than at Eastern Washington University ($12,268 vs. $15,574).
• Eastern Kentucky University is 20.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than EWU (about $1,734 more per year; $10,320.00 vs. $8,586.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.3% higher at EWU than at Eastern Kentucky University (about $4,729 more per year; $25,959.00 vs. $21,230.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Kentucky University than at Eastern Washington University (98% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Kentucky University students is 14.7% larger than aid received by Eastern Washington University students ($11,468 vs. $10,001).

Eastern vs. EWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Eastern or EWU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between EWU and Eastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Washington University (990) is 10 points higher than at Eastern (980).
• Incoming Eastern students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at EWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 880/1080; Eastern Washington University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 19/25; Eastern Washington University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Eastern - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); EWU - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind).
• Typical fall application deadline: Eastern Aug 1, 2027; EWU Sep 10, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Eastern students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at EWU (3.29).
• EWU has a higher acceptance rate (90.7%) than Eastern (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Eastern vs. 22.7% at EWU.

Eastern vs. EWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Eastern and EWU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Eastern Washington University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Eastern Kentucky University's (38%).
• Graduates from Eastern Washington University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Eastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Washington University graduates have a $2,877 lower median loan debt than Eastern graduates ($20,818 vs. $23,695).
• Among borrowers, EWU graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eastern graduates ($215 vs. $245).
• More EWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 49%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.