Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern EKU
Richmond, Kentucky 40475-3102
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for health sciences — excellent value
Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution in Richmond with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1089, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 11.7K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
50% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $45,795 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $9,962.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •Beckham signed legislation which established the Eastern Kentucky State Normal School No.
- •On May 7, 1906, the Normal School Commission selected the site of the former Central University campus as the location of this new college; EKU remains at this location today.
- •Renaming In 1922, the Eastern Kentucky State Normal School No.
- •1 changed its name to Eastern Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers College, and the transformed college awarded its first degrees under that name in 1925.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1089
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
57.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
2.6%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$14,929
Programs (145)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
80%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
77
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from KY state average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Days out near Richmond
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Lexington, from real bookable tour times.
- Bellarmine University · Simmons College of KentuckyUnder $25k a year12 days
- Northern Kentucky University · Thomas More UniversityUnder $25k a year2 days