Overview
Enrollment
Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond, Kentucky, approximately 25 miles southeast of Lexington in the state's Bluegrass region. The main campus spans 675 acres of rolling hills, featuring a mix of contemporary and Colonial Revival-style architecture, with the historic Keen Johnson Building serving as a campus centerpiece. Founded in 1906 as a teacher training institution, EKU has evolved into a comprehensive public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in criminal justice, nursing, education, and occupational therapy. The university maintains a robust residential life system with multiple housing options for students, and competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Colonels in the Atlantic Sun Conference. The campus includes extended learning centers in Corbin, Manchester, and several other Kentucky locations to serve regional students.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Eastern is rated within the lower 36% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Eastern Kentucky University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#873 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#337 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#11 in Best Colleges in Kentucky
#4 in Best Public Colleges in Kentucky
#15 in Best Value Colleges in Kentucky
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 930/1190 |
| ACT | 17/24 |
| GPA | 3.39 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Kentucky Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $0 |
| Other Fees | $300 |
| Room and Board | $11,735 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,800 |
| Total One Year Cost | $24,665 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $0 |
| Other Fees | $300 |
| Room and Board | $11,735 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,800 |
| Total One Year Cost | $35,355 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Health Professions | 16% |
| Education | 16% |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting | 14% |
| Business | 9% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Eastern are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=156620 IPEDS survey data for Eastern Kentucky University.
Current students may use the Eastern Kentucky University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025