Eastern Kentucky University's published cost of attendance reaches $22,265 annually, including $10,130 in-state tuition, $20,820 out-of-state tuition, and $11,735 for room and board. Books and supplies add minimal cost at $0.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $22,265 |
| Tuition and Fees | $20,820 |
| Room and Board | $11,735 |
| Books and Supplies | $0 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,303 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $9,962 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $7,107 |
| $30–48k | $7,006 |
| $48–75k | $9,326 |
| $75–110k | $14,213 |
| $110k+ | $15,362 |
Eastern Kentucky University's published cost of attendance reaches $22,265 annually, including $10,130 in-state tuition, $20,820 out-of-state tuition, and $11,735 for room and board. Books and supplies add minimal cost at $0. However, the average student pays $9,962 after financial aid, representing savings of $12,303 compared to the sticker price.
This net price falls $5,628 higher than the peer median of $15,590, indicating Eastern Kentucky University costs more than similar public regional institutions after aid. The financial aid system provides substantial support, reducing published costs by 55% on average. Net costs vary dramatically by family income, ranging from $7,107 for families earning under $30,000 to $15,362 for families earning over $110,000.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Eastern Kentucky University graduates carry median debt of $22,500, around the national average and $2,500 below the peer median of $25,000. Debt levels range from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $26,250 at the 75th percentile, showing moderate variation in borrowing patterns.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 indicates manageable repayment burden relative to post-graduation income. Parent PLUS debt averages $12,888 with monthly payments of $170, representing additional family borrowing beyond student loans.
Eastern Kentucky University's debt profile reflects controlled borrowing relative to peer institutions, with graduates maintaining reasonable debt burdens that support long-term financial stability. The below-peer debt levels contribute to favorable affordability rankings, helping graduates avoid excessive repayment burdens early in their careers.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Eastern Kentucky University generates exceptional return on educational investment through earnings beyond expectations of $14,581, placing it at the 90.7th percentile nationally with top-tier performance. This uplift means graduates earn substantially more than predicted based on student demographics and program characteristics.
Combined with below-peer debt levels of $22,500 versus $25,000 peer median, Eastern Kentucky University delivers strong value proposition. The 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio supports manageable repayment while the earnings beyond expectations demonstrate institutional effectiveness in career preparation.
Median earnings of $45,795 may appear modest compared to highly selective institutions, but the substantial earnings uplift indicates Eastern Kentucky University adds significant value to student outcomes. The combination of accessible admission, controlled costs, moderate debt levels, and exceptional earnings beyond expectations positions Eastern Kentucky University as a strong investment for students seeking economic mobility through higher education while avoiding excessive debt burdens.
Eastern Kentucky University enrolls 38.6% Pell-eligible students, well above the national average for four-year institutions, demonstrating commitment to serving lower-income populations. The $12,303 average financial aid savings reduces published costs by more than half, indicating robust aid programs.
Net prices by income reveal targeted support, with families under $48,000 paying approximately $7,000 annually while higher-income families pay more than double that amount. This aid concentration aligns with the institution's access mission, supporting nearly 40% Pell-eligible enrollment while maintaining educational quality.
The progressive aid structure helps explain how Eastern Kentucky University maintains strong access metrics while generating positive earnings outcomes for graduates from diverse economic backgrounds. Financial aid effectiveness varies significantly by income level, with lower-income families receiving substantial support while middle and upper-income families face costs closer to published rates.
