Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

Eastern Kentucky University vs Western Kentucky University: which has better ROI?

Public, Richmond KY · vs · Public, Bowling Green 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 $43,889 at Western Kentucky University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureEastern Kentucky UniversityWestern Kentucky University
Net price / yr$11,040$10,990
Total net cost$44,160$43,960
Median earnings, 10 yrs$45,795$43,889
Median debt$22,500$22,095
Payback
20-year net return$-95,460$-133,380

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