Head-to-head · 2026
Eastern Kentucky University vs University of Kentucky
Compare average net price ($11,040 at Eastern Kentucky University; $18,851 at University of Kentucky), ROI score (10.37 vs 7.83), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($45,795 vs $59,025), and admissions selectivity (77.6% acceptance at Eastern Kentucky University; 92.9% at University of Kentucky) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Eastern Kentucky University | University of Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 10.37 ✓ | 7.83 |
| Avg net price | $11,040 ✓ | $18,851 |
| 4-year avg net price | $44,160 ✓ | $75,404 |
| In-state tuition | $10,320 | $13,502 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $21,230 | $34,140 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $45,795 | $59,025 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 77.6% | 92.9% |
| Graduation rate | 50% | 71.4% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 76.9% | 86.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $22,500 |
| Enrollment | 12,318 | 24,763 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1149 | 1215 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Eastern Kentucky University | University of Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $8,591 ✓ | $12,182 |
| Family income $30–48k | $8,005 ✓ | $12,119 |
| Family income $48–75k | $10,382 ✓ | $16,313 |
| Family income $75–110k | $14,384 ✓ | $21,192 |
| Family income $110k+ | $17,009 ✓ | $26,781 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Eastern Kentucky University | University of Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 9.2% | 4.1% |
| Social Work | 3.2% | 7% |
| Psychology, General | 6% | 3.2% |
| Business/Commerce, General | 3.1% | 5.4% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 5.7% | 0.6% |
| Marketing | 1.5% | 4.2% |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | 4.6% | 1.1% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 3.2% | 1.9% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Eastern Kentucky University reports the lower average net price by $7,811 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $31,244 difference over four years ($44,160 vs $75,404).
University of Kentucky reports $13,230 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($59,025 vs $45,795). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 76.9% at Eastern Kentucky University and 86.8% at University of Kentucky. Median federal debt among completers is $22,500 vs $22,500, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
Related college comparisons
Promoted matchups involving the same colleges or other leading schools in their states.
Frequently asked
Eastern Kentucky University vs University of Kentucky, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Eastern Kentucky University is cheaper — average net price $11,040 per year vs $18,851 at University of Kentucky. The annual difference of $7,811 adds up to about $31,244 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Kentucky reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $59,025 vs $45,795 at Eastern Kentucky University. The gap in the federal data is $13,230. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Eastern Kentucky University is more selective at 77.6% acceptance vs 92.9% at University of Kentucky.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.