Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Eastern Kentucky University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Eastern Kentucky University's nursing program lands squarely in the middle of Kentucky options—at the 40th percentile statewide—but trails the national median by about $6,000 in starting salary. That gap widens over time: graduates earn less four years out than they did fresh from school, an unusual pattern when most nursing careers show steady income growth. With starting pay at $68,633, this puts EKU below six other Kentucky programs, including regional competitors like University of the Cumberlands ($81,012) and Kentucky Christian University ($76,970).
The debt load of $27,370 is reasonable and close to both state and national medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40. This means graduates can realistically handle their loans on a nurse's salary. However, the declining earnings trend deserves scrutiny—whether graduates are working part-time, leaving clinical roles, or facing regional wage constraints, this backward trajectory is atypical for nursing.
For families prioritizing affordability and regional connections in Central Kentucky, EKU offers a functional path into nursing without overwhelming debt. But if maximizing earning potential matters—and given nursing's typically strong compensation—exploring higher-performing Kentucky programs that show earnings growth rather than decline would be worth the comparison shopping, even if it means considering private institutions with slightly higher sticker prices.
Where Eastern Kentucky University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Eastern Kentucky University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Eastern Kentucky University graduates earn $69k, placing them in the 19th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (23 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Kentucky University | $68,633 | $64,922 | $27,370 | 0.40 |
| Beckfield College-Florence | $83,033 | — | $49,805 | 0.60 |
| University of Pikeville | $82,878 | — | $33,618 | 0.41 |
| University of the Cumberlands | $81,012 | — | $29,400 | 0.36 |
| Kentucky Christian University | $76,970 | $70,627 | $27,750 | 0.36 |
| Galen College of Nursing-Louisville | $76,234 | $82,003 | $45,775 | 0.60 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Kentucky
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kentucky schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beckfield College-Florence Florence | $13,295 | $83,033 | $49,805 |
| University of Pikeville Pikeville | $24,150 | $82,878 | $33,618 |
| University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg | $9,875 | $81,012 | $29,400 |
| Kentucky Christian University Grayson | $25,000 | $76,970 | $27,750 |
| Galen College of Nursing-Louisville Louisville | — | $76,234 | $45,775 |
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 255 graduates with reported earnings and 285 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.