Eastern Kentucky University

What are the graduation rates for students at Eastern Kentucky University?

Eastern Kentucky University has a graduation rate of 50%, placing it in the lower 40th percentile nationally. Male students graduate at a slightly lower rate of 45%, while female students have a graduation rate of 53%, still ranking in the bottom 35%. When looking specifically at the four-year graduation rate, it stands at 40%, and the six-year graduation rate reaches 55%, with both measures positioned near the mid to lower half among comparable institutions. Despite these rates, the university's retention rate is relatively stronger at 80%, which is in the upper 40th percentile and suggests that a majority of first-year students return for their second year. Prospective students should consider these figures as part of their overall college decision-making process.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Eastern Kentucky University?

Graduates from Eastern Kentucky University display a broad range of earning potential depending on their field of study. Among the highest earners are those who studied Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians, with reported average earnings of $67,935. Degrees related to health and medical fields also tend to offer strong financial returns, with Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earning about $58,745 and those in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions earning nearly $49,380. Careers in public safety-related fields such as Fire Protection command average earnings of $48,702, while Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions bring in $41,884.

Business-oriented programs provide varied but generally respectable salaries. For instance, graduates from Business Administration, Management and Operations earn an average of $42,563, Accounting and Related Services graduates receive about $39,625, and those with a degree in Marketing earn around $38,362. Other business degrees such as Business/Commerce, General and Insurance also yield solid earnings in the high $30,000 range.

Technical and applied science fields are well represented too. Graduates in Computer and Information Sciences, General report average earnings of $50,605, while those in Construction Management reach $59,585. Those studying Homeland Security earn $40,678 on average, and Air Transportation graduates see average income near $38,561.

Among teaching and education-focused graduates, earnings tend to be more moderate. Specific teaching and professional development fields report salaries between $32,084 and $33,034. Similarly, social service disciplines like Social Work offer average earnings of $33,448.

Arts and communication fields often yield lower starting earnings. For example, those with degrees in Communication and Media Studies earn approximately $27,520, while related areas like Radio, Television, and Digital Communication bring in $24,978. Graduates in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication earn close to $26,490.

Degrees in the natural sciences and humanities tend to reflect modest earnings, with graduates in Agricultural Production Operations earning about $36,121 and Political Science and Government earning approximately $35,263. Some other areas such as Criminal Justice and Corrections reach roughly $29,941, and Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities report $30,148.