
521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475-3102, USA


Eastern Kentucky University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which authorizes the institution to award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. This regional accreditation is a key factor in ensuring that the university meets established standards for quality and rigor in higher education.
In addition to its overall institutional accreditation, Eastern Kentucky University maintains specialized accreditations for several individual academic programs. These programmatic accreditations serve to validate the quality and relevance of specific fields of study, thereby enhancing the credibility of degrees earned in these areas.
Eastern Kentucky University requires prospective students to have completed high school or possess a General Educational Development (GED) credential. Applicants must submit secondary school records, including their GPA and class rank. A college program application is mandatory, while recommendations and competency proofs are encouraged but not compulsory. The university does require TOEFL scores from applicants for whom English is a second language, though other admission tests are recommended rather than required.
Standardized test scores such as the SAT are not explicitly required, but the average SAT score of enrolled students is relatively low, with a mean value of 1065 placing them in the bottom 30 percentile nationally. Similarly, the average ACT score is around 21, also in the lower quartile.
Eastern Kentucky University does not operate under an open admission policy. The acceptance rate sits at approximately 78%, positioning it in the mid-range of selectivity. Dual credit courses are not accepted for admission, but the institution awards credit for Advanced Placement exams.
Eastern Kentucky University requires a nonrefundable application fee for prospective undergraduate students. The fee is set at $40 and must be submitted alongside the application to initiate the admissions process. This fee helps cover administrative costs associated with processing applications and is a standard requirement for most applicants.
Applicants who demonstrate financial hardship or qualify under specific criteria may be eligible for a fee waiver. These waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis and typically require documentation or verification that supports the applicant's need for an exemption. Prospective students should contact the admissions office directly to inquire about eligibility and the process to request a waiver.
The university also encourages applicants from underrepresented backgrounds and certain community programs to ask about potential fee waivers, aiming to reduce financial barriers to higher education. However, such waivers must be approved prior to submission as applications without the required fee or approved waiver may not be processed.
Eastern Kentucky University offers an ROTC branch unit directly on its campus, providing students the opportunity to participate in Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs without needing to attend a cooperating host institution. This onsite presence facilitates easier access to military training and leadership development for students considering a career in the armed forces.
Eastern Kentucky University welcomes transfer students during several terms, including fall, spring, and summer semesters. The institution maintains a minimally difficult entrance difficulty for transfer applicants, facilitating access for those seeking to continue their education.
Transfer credit acceptance is notably flexible at the university. It recognizes credits from a variety of external assessments such as CLEP (both subject-specific and general exams) and DANTES, which can assist students in accelerating their academic progress.
Additionally, the university accepts credits earned through the Excelsior College examinations. Prospective transfer students may also submit letters of recommendation as part of their application, reflecting a comprehensive review approach.
There is an age limit policy that currently restricts acceptance of credits older than eight years, ensuring the relevance and currency of transferred coursework.
Eastern Kentucky University offers its students a diverse range of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance their academic and cultural experiences. These programs vary in length and scope, including short-term faculty-led trips, semester-long exchanges, and summer or winter sessions. The university focuses on providing options that align with students' academic goals while encouraging global engagement.
Faculty-led programs often last a few weeks and are tied directly to specific courses, allowing students to earn credits while experiencing new cultures firsthand. Semester-long exchanges enable students to study at partner institutions overseas, fostering deeper immersion into different academic environments. Additionally, the university supports participation in summer and winter programs that offer intensive coursework combined with cultural activities.
Several international destinations are available through these programs, spanning multiple continents and disciplines. Students have the chance to study topics ranging from business and education to health sciences and the arts, reflecting the broad academic offerings at Eastern Kentucky University. Support services, including pre-departure orientations and advising, help students prepare for their time abroad and make informed choices about the programs that best suit their academic and personal development.
Median composite SAT score
1065Median composite ACT score
21Percent of students submitting ACT scores
87.17%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
2.8%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RequiredSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
EasyGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer