Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Career OutcomesAzimuth ranks University of Pikeville #969 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $55,132, placing University of Pikeville in the 24.9 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. University of Pikeville sits in the 85.1 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions.
Azimuth ranks University of Pikeville #969 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions — in the 34.8 percentile for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. A private university in Pikeville, Kentucky, University of Pikeville enrolls roughly 1,135 undergraduates. Retention is 68.7% and the six-year graduation rate is 41.7%, reflecting the institution's ability to support students through degree completion. Where University of Pikeville performs strongest is return on investment. Azimuth ranks University of Pikeville #703 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions — in the 52.6 percentile for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $55,132, placing University of Pikeville in the 24.9 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $9,596 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing University of Pikeville in the 85.1 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Access, affordability, and mobility sit lower in the composite. University of Pikeville sits in the 40.6 percentile for access, the 63.1 percentile for affordability, and the 2.6 percentile for mobility among nonprofit four-year institutions. The institution serves 38.0% Pell-eligible undergraduates and 44.8% first-generation students. With Business as its dominant program family, University of Pikeville offers a focused academic portfolio anchored in fields with clear career pathways and earnings potential.
University of Pikeville's published cost of attendance is $33,420. Net price by income band shows how financial aid reshapes that headline figure: low-income families pay approximately $13,115, middle-income families pay around $23,075, and higher-income families pay approximately $25,755. Azimuth ranks University of Pikeville #526 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Financial aid at University of Pikeville is need-based, with families applying through the FAFSA. The institution participates in federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional aid programs to help bridge the gap between sticker price and what families actually pay. The difference between published cost and net price reflects the institution's commitment to making attendance affordable across income levels, though the specific aid package each family receives depends on individual circumstances and demonstrated financial need. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $20,679, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $15,610; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $55,132, median federal debt of $20,679 projects to a monthly payment of about $234 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
University of Pikeville is a strong fit for students seeking a private nonprofit institution in KY with a focus on Business programs, particularly those interested in regional career pathways and hands-on learning environments. Graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $55,132, placing University of Pikeville in the 24.9 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Earn about $9,596 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 85.1 percentile for earnings beyond expectations. The university serves a significant population of Pell-eligible and first-generation students — 38.0% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants and 44.8% are first-generation — with completion rates that demonstrate strong support for these populations. Published cost of attendance is $33,420 with typical federal student loan debt at graduation of $20,679. University of Pikeville's program mix shows particular strength in Business fields, which account for 21% of degree output. Students whose interests align with these areas will find focused academic support and regional employer connections.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
Personalized cost and earnings calculator
This is the University Of Pikeville hub overview page. Related admissions, cost, outcomes, majors, and similar-school pages provide the detailed school data.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Pikeville's published cost of attendance is $33,420. Net price by income band shows how financial aid reshapes that headline figure: low-income families pay approximately $13,115, middle-income families pay around $23,075, and higher-income families pay approximately $25,755.
Azimuth ranks University of Pikeville #526 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown.
Financial aid at University of Pikeville is need-based, with families applying through the FAFSA. The institution participates in federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional aid programs to help bridge the gap between sticker price and what families actually pay.
The difference between published cost and net price reflects the institution's commitment to making attendance affordable across income levels, though the specific aid package each family receives depends on individual circumstances and demonstrated financial need. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $20,679, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $15,610; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the [Parent PLUS risk framework](/analysis/ou-what-happens-when-parents-borrow-too/) for how household context shapes PLUS decisions.
For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $55,132, median federal debt of $20,679 projects to a monthly payment of about $234 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use [Azimuth's Financial GPS tool](/analysis/financial-gps-framework/).
Graduates of University of Pikeville earn median 4-year earnings of $55,132, placing University of Pikeville in the 24.9 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. University of Pikeville sits in the 85.1 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions.
Azimuth ranks University of Pikeville #703 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern centers on business and professional fields.
Business Administration is the largest program with 41 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $49,971, representing 0.7x the national benchmark for the field. The Biology, General program graduates 35 students with median 4-year earnings of $71,225, and the The Criminal Justice program graduates 24 students with median 4-year earnings of $41,524.
This concentration in Business reflects the institution's academic focus and contributes to the overall earnings profile for graduates entering the regional labor market.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
14 graduates
Biology, General
35 graduates
Business Administration, Management and Operations
41 graduates
Social Work
7 graduates
Criminal Justice and Corrections
24 graduates
University of Pikeville's program mix is anchored in business and professional fields, reflecting the institution's focus on career-ready undergraduate education. Business Administration is the largest program with 41 graduates, followed by Biology, General, Criminal Justice, Psychology, General, and Nursing.
Across 12 programs, the institution concentrates its degree output in Business and related applied fields. The highest-earning programs at University of Pikeville reflect strong outcomes in business and professional disciplines.
Biology, General leads with median earnings of $71,225 four years after enrollment across 35 graduates, followed by Business Administration with $49,971 and Social Work with $41,979. Criminal Justice and Communication and Media Studies round out the top earners, delivering median earnings of $41,524 and $39,943 respectively.
This earnings pattern aligns with the institution's emphasis on Business, where graduates typically move directly into the workforce in stable, in-demand roles. The program portfolio reflects a regional private institution serving students who prioritize career preparation and early-career earnings.
Most of these programs are high-mobility pathways where graduates enter the labor market directly after completion, rather than pursuing graduate or professional school. The [supply and demand for college graduates](/analysis/supply-demand-map-college-degrees/) provides context for how these dominant program families align with regional and national labor-market demand.
