EKU Earns National Spotlight for Student Success and Affordability

RICHMOND — Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has been named an “Opportunity College and University” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a national distinction that highlights institutions providing higher-than-expected levels of student access and post-graduation earnings. 

EKU was the only comprehensive university in Kentucky to receive this designation in its category.

The new 2025 Carnegie classification framework takes a more comprehensive look at U.S. institutions, moving beyond degree type and size to recognize those that deliver tangible outcomes for students. EKU earned its place among just 18 institutions nationwide in this category by exceeding thresholds in both access and earnings.

With more than 41% of EKU undergraduates receiving Pell Grants, the university opens doors for students from all backgrounds. Carnegie’s earnings criteria—based on median wages eight years after entry compared to regional peers—show that EKU graduates are earning significantly more than expected for their demographic and geographic profiles.

“The recognition from the Carnegie Foundation affirms what we’ve long known—that EKU is a School of Opportunity where potential is realized, opportunities are created and futures are transformed,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “We’re proud to be a national model for access and upward mobility and we remain committed to providing a high-quality, affordable education that truly changes lives.”

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) points to evidence that higher education in Kentucky pays off. According to CPE data, individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $1.2 million over their working lifetime—nearly double the roughly $600,000 earned by those with only a high school diploma. Those with a master’s degree earn even more, averaging about $1.44 million over a lifetime. This financial advantage aligns with EKU graduates’ experience, who earn an average salary of $50,000 just six months after graduation.

Breanna Puckett, who earned her master’s in teacher education in May, said, “EKU was a game changer for me. The opportunities on campus shaped me into the person I am today to complete my master’s degree and be successful with a wonderful career.”

EKU is Kentucky’s largest regional public university for degree-seeking enrollment as of fall 2024, according to the CPE. The university also leads the state in retaining graduates who choose to live and work in Kentucky after earning their degrees, based on data from the KYSTATS Multi-State Postsecondary Report.

These outcomes reflect EKU’s long-standing mission: to expand opportunity and deliver results that last a lifetime.