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Eastern Kentucky University vs American National University-Louisville: which has better ROI?

Public, Richmond KY · vs · Private for-profit, Louisville KY

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Eastern Kentucky University comes closer — median earnings $45,795 against a $44,160 total, vs $28,188 at American National University-Louisville. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureEastern Kentucky UniversityAmerican National University-Louisville
Net price / yr$11,040$17,010
Total net cost$44,160$34,020
Median earnings, 10 yrs$45,795$28,188
Median debt$22,500$23,618
Payback
20-year net return-$95,460-$437,460

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Eastern Kentucky University or American National University-Louisville?

Eastern Kentucky University, at $11,040 a year after aid versus $17,010 — a gap of $5,970 a year, or $10,140 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Eastern Kentucky University or American National University-Louisville graduates earn more?

Eastern Kentucky University graduates report a median $45,795 ten years after entry, $17,607 more than the $28,188 at American National University-Louisville. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Eastern Kentucky University or American National University-Louisville?

Eastern Kentucky University: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $23,618 at American National University-Louisville, a difference of $1,118. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

50% of students finish at Eastern Kentucky University, against 50% at American National University-Louisville. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Eastern Kentucky University vs American National University-Louisville: frequently asked questions

Is Eastern Kentucky University or American National University-Louisville a better value?
Eastern Kentucky University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Eastern Kentucky University or American National University-Louisville?
Eastern Kentucky University: $11,040/yr net price after aid versus $17,010/yr at American National University-Louisville — a difference of $5,970 a year, or about $10,140 over four years.
Do Eastern Kentucky University or American National University-Louisville graduates earn more?
Eastern Kentucky University graduates earn a median $45,795 ten years after entry, versus $28,188 at American National University-Louisville — a $17,607 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.