University of Kentucky vs Eastern Kentucky University: which has better ROI?
University of Kentucky has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $75,404 in 7.1 years versus not at all at Eastern Kentucky University, on median earnings of $59,025 vs $45,795 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Kentucky | Eastern Kentucky University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,851 | $11,040 |
| Total net cost | $75,404 | $44,160 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $59,025 | $45,795 |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $22,500 |
| Payback | 7.1 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $137,896 | -$95,460 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Kentucky or Eastern Kentucky University?
Eastern Kentucky University, at $11,040 a year after aid versus $18,851 — a gap of $7,811 a year, or $31,244 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Kentucky or Eastern Kentucky University graduates earn more?
University of Kentucky graduates report a median $59,025 ten years after entry, $13,230 more than the $45,795 at Eastern Kentucky University. 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, University of Kentucky or Eastern Kentucky University?
Completers at both borrow a median $22,500, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
71% of students finish at University of Kentucky, against 50% at Eastern Kentucky University. 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.