University of Louisville vs Eastern Kentucky University: which has better ROI?
University of Louisville has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $71,952 in 13 years versus not at all at Eastern Kentucky University, on median earnings of $53,899 vs $45,795 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Louisville | Eastern Kentucky University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,988 | $11,040 |
| Total net cost | $71,952 | $44,160 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,899 | $45,795 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $22,500 |
| Payback | 13 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $38,828 | -$95,460 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Louisville or Eastern Kentucky University?
Eastern Kentucky University, at $11,040 a year after aid versus $17,988 — a gap of $6,948 a year, or $27,792 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 Louisville or Eastern Kentucky University graduates earn more?
University of Louisville graduates report a median $53,899 ten years after entry, $8,104 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 Louisville or Eastern Kentucky University?
University of Louisville: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $22,500 at Eastern Kentucky University, a difference of $2,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
61% of students finish at University of Louisville, 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.