Location: Richmond, KY•In-State Tuition: $10,130•Out-of-State Tuition: $20,820•Admission Rate: 78%•Avg SAT: 1089
Median Earnings (1yr)
$41,328
5th percentile
40th percentile in Kentucky
Median Debt
$16,400
30% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.40 ManageableSample: 24 graduates Limited data

Analysis

The small sample size here demands caution, but the pattern is troubling: Eastern Kentucky's finance graduates earn $41,328 in their first year—about $12,000 less than the state median and $12,000 less than what you'd see at Kentucky. That places them in just the 5th percentile nationally among finance programs. While the debt load of $16,400 is relatively modest compared to national averages, it doesn't compensate for starting salaries that lag significantly behind what other Kentucky schools deliver. Even Murray State, another regional option, produces graduates earning $2,000 more right out of the gate.

The 40th percentile ranking within Kentucky tells a more nuanced story than the national comparison—there are clearly weaker programs in the state. But when University of Kentucky finance grads earn 41% more in year one, that's not a small gap to dismiss. Finance is particularly credential-sensitive, and the lower earnings suggest this program may not open the same doors to banking, corporate finance, or analyst roles that stronger regional programs do.

Given the small sample, these numbers could shift year to year. But if you're borrowing even modest amounts for a finance degree, starting at $41,000 creates a tighter margin for building wealth early in your career. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to attend EKU specifically, Kentucky students have multiple in-state options with demonstrably better salary outcomes in this field.

Where Eastern Kentucky University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

Eastern Kentucky UniversityOther finance and financial management services programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Eastern Kentucky University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Eastern Kentucky University earns $41k — 5th percentile among finance and financial management services bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (11 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond$10,130$41,328—$16,4000.40
University of KentuckyLexington$13,212$58,422$71,215$22,3750.38
University of LouisvilleLouisville$12,828$52,167$63,447$22,5000.43
Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights$10,896$50,457$62,699$25,2870.50
Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green$11,436$44,355$56,321$19,5000.44
Murray State UniversityMurray$9,708$43,320$46,651$21,5000.50
National Median—$53,590—$23,3320.44

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Eastern Kentucky University, approximately 39% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 24 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.