EVERY
VISITORS GUIDE
Programs That Prepare You
At Eastern Kentucky University, you’ll be part of a community that’s built to help you succeed from day one. With more than 100 programs of study, you can explore your interests while building a clear path toward a career. From aviation to forensic science, nursing, business or education, hands-on learning is part of our curriculum, giving you the confidence to move forward.
Support That Moves You Forward
Big dreams deserve real support. At EKU, you’ll have access to resources designed to keep you moving toward your goals. Receive personalized guidance through tutoring, career counseling and professional networking. Whether it’s financial aid, class schedules or study tips, help is always within reach.
A Campus Designed for You
Life at EKU goes beyond the classroom. With more than 250 student organizations, 18 NCAA Division I teams, a recreation and fitness center and a full calendar of events, you’ll have countless ways to get involved.
Downtown Richmond is within walking distance for more fun, food and shopping. Plus, outdoor destinations and nearby cities like Lexington, Louisville and Cincinnati provide even more to explore.
Make yourself at home in one of our 11 residence halls, all within easy walking distance from classrooms, the library, dining areas and the student center.
100+ programs of study
250+ student organizations
18
NCAA Division l teams
11 Residence halls
15:1 student-to-faculty ratio
EXPLORE
An Accessible Path to Your Future
Automatic scholarships and affordable tuition make your education goals achievable.
Invest In Your Future
EKU is ranked in the top 30% of Washington Monthly’s “Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars” list, and first among the state’s regional public universities.
More than 80% of students receive some form of financial assistance, and academic achievement is rewarded through automatic merit scholarships for in-state, on-campus students - no extra applications, no essays and test scores are optional.
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“EKU has truly has given me
endless opportunities for financial support,
whether that be directly through my on-campus involvement with on-campus jobs or other organizations I’m involved in.”
Bryan O, Psychology, Class of 2028
HOW STUDENTSInvest
FAFSA
The first step is filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This determines what financial aid you’re eligible for including grants and loans. EKU also requires your FAFSA to be on file before you can receive any scholarships.
Scholarships
EKU offers a scholarship for every Kentucky first-year student who qualifies for admission. In-state merit scholarships are awarded based on GPA, and are automatically applied to your account.
Foundation scholarships are available through donors and require a separate application. If awarded, they will be applied to your student account.
Grants
Money awarded by the government that you don’t have to pay back. One of the most common is the Pell Grant.
Loans
Money provided by the government that you do have to pay back. Commonly referred to as federal student loans.
Work-Study
Earn money to be used toward tuition by working on campus. EKU student worker positions are conveniently located oncampus and work around your class schedule. Students can work up to 20 hours, earning money and work experience.
A Scholarship for Every Kentucky Freshman
Undergraduate 26/27
Eastern Experience Scholarships
In-State Scholarships
Regent’s Award
Eligibility Requirements:
GPA ≥ 3.8
≥ 28 ACT or ≥ 1310 SAT
Annual Award:
$9,000
President’s Award
Eligibility Requirements:
GPA 3.80 - 4.00
Annual Award:
$7,000
One Eastern Award
Eligibility Requirements:
GPA 3.40 - 3.79
Annual Award:
$5,000
Excellence Award
Eligibility Requirements:
GPA 3.00 - 3.39
Annual Award: $3,000
Promise Award
Eligibility Requirements:
GPA 2.00 - 2.99
Annual Award: $1,000
“I am very thankful for the scholarships offered at EKU because no other school around covered my tuition or offered scholarships to the extent that EKU did.”
NyAshla G, Social Work, Class of 2028
Are You a Transfer Student?
Transfer scholarships range from $1,000 - $4,000 and are awarded to in-state, on-campus students. Awards are based on GPA at time of admission. Students with less than 24 credit hours will be considered for new freshman merit scholarships.
“They understand how I learn and support me in the ways I need.” My
professors have helped me in every way possible.
Kaida G, Elementary Education, Class of 2029
Support That Puts You a Step Ahead
Opportunity Around Every Corner
EKU boasts a retention rate of nearly 80% because we’ve designed support systems that have students in mind. From your first day through graduation, you’ll have access to people and resources that help you stay on track, build confidence and overcome challenges along the way.
• Student Success Center
• Office of College Enrollment and Career Readiness
• Noel Studio for Academic Creativity
• Counseling Center
Beyond the Classroom
Want to get a head start finding your community?
Join Zeemee to connect with other incoming Colonels!
Campus life at EKU helps you find your place and feel at home. With 250+ student organizations, events and activities happening yearround, there are countless ways to get involved, meet people, gain leadership skills, network for your future career and feel connected.
A Future You Can Build On
At EKU, your degree is built with the future in mind. Programs are designed to connect what you learn to real-world experience, through internships, clinicals, research and hands-on opportunities that prepare you for the workforce.
Explore Careers
• Nursing
• Psychology
• Elementary Education
• Aviation
• Criminal Justice
• Forensic Science
• Exercise & Sport Science
• Business
• Accounting
• Marketing
• Social Work
• Occupational Science
• Biomedical Science
• Animal & Veterinary Science
“I get real clinical hours and experience that helps me feel ready for being a teacher.”
Emily L, Elementary Education, Class of 2028
Based on a 2026 survey of EKU graduates, 77% reported full-time employment within 6 months of graduation with an average starting salary of $50,000.*
EKU’s Office of College Enrollment and Career Readiness helps you stay on track, connects you with potential internships, and gives guidance on acing your interviews and resume.
Not sure what you want to study yet?
Start by exploring! Tools like our Career Coach Quiz can help connect your interests to potential careers, so you can move forward with more clarity.
Or Scan the QR Code!
*Salaries vary by program, industry and location.
“EKU really is the home of opportunity.”
Whether it’s study abroad, mentorships or meeting new people, it has provided so many valuable lessons.
Allie H, Marketing, Class of 2028
Apply for housing
OCTOBER
Complete the FAFSA (Oct. 1)
FEBRUARY
Register for New Student Orientation
MARCH 1
Foundation Scholarship application deadline
Admission deadline to be considered for merit scholarships
Housing priority deadline
Deadline for EKU Foundation & Maroon Madness Scholarship applications
JUNE 1
Deadline to accept your merit scholarship in myEKU
JUNE 30
Deadline to submit high school transcripts and ACT/SAT scores for scholarship upgrade
Important Dates
Fall application opens
JULY 1
Rising seniors can apply to be an EKU Colonel for free!
Deadlines for
Transfer Students:
November 15
Deadline for transfer admission for Spring
November 22
Deadline to accept transfer scholarships for Spring
April 15
Deadline for transfer admission for Summer
June 15
Deadline for transfer admission for Fall
June 22
Deadline to accept transfer scholarships for Fall
Notes
Eastern Kentucky University is an Equal Opportunity employer and educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, national origin, veteran status, and/or genetic information in the admission to, or participation in, any educational program or activity (e.g., athletics, academics and housing) which it conducts, or in any employment policy or practice.