Morehead State vs Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)

Morehead State University and Eastern Kentucky University, both esteemed public institutions in Kentucky, offer distinct educational experiences. Morehead boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option, while Eastern Kentucky has a slightly higher graduation rate. Morehead's student body is more diverse, with a larger international student population. Eastern Kentucky, on the other hand, has a higher proportion of male students. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate programs, with popular majors including Business, Education, and Health Professions. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these universities' costs, financial aid, student life, and other crucial factors that will help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	Eastern Kentucky University	Morehead State University
Overview
Location	Richmond, Kentucky	Morehead, Kentucky
Campus setting	Town: Distant	Town: Remote
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	74.0%	70.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	98.3%	89.8%
Application fees		Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $30
SAT range	950 - 1180	N/A
ACT range	18 - 24	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	4.0%
Students submitting ACT score	88.0%
Total number of applicants	7,251	6,922
Total number of admissions given out	7,131	6,218
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,493	1,184
Yield rate	35.0%	19.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $23,762 Out of state: $34,034	In state: $23,984 Out of state: $28,628
Average net price	$14,271	$10,471
Tuition	In state: $9,452 Out of state: $19,724	In state: $9,082 Out of state: $13,726
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,416 Meal plan: $3,994	$10,040
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	98.0% Average amount $9,891	97.0% Average amount $10,376
Students receiving federal student loan	49.0% Average amount $4,950	55.0% Average amount $4,964
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $10,455	5.0% Average amount $9,199

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	11,684 Men 40.6% Women 59.4%	8,312 Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
Graduate students	2,300 Men 30.0% Women 70.0%	670 Men 37.6% Women 62.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	1.1%	0.7%
Campus local/setting	Town: Distant	Town: Remote
Dormitory capacity	4,479	3,315
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Ohio Illinois Indiana West Virginia	Ohio Tennessee Virginia Illinois

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Education Law Enforcement and Firefighting Liberal Arts Engineering Technologies	Education Health Professions Business Liberal Arts Agriculture
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	47.8%	44.8%
Dropout rate	48.5%	53.6%
Transferred out	1.6%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $110,878 Year 3: $113,532 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $94,123 Year 2: $90,291 Year 3: $95,519 Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,935 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $78,046 Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $73,209 Year 2: $74,105 Year 3: $74,692 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,585 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $71,030 Educational Administration and Supervision (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $54,959 Year 2: $60,523 Year 3: $62,961 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,605 Year 2: $49,019 Year 3: $62,600 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,959 Year 2: $60,523 Year 3: $61,708 Fire Protection (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,702 Year 2: $49,787 Year 3: $58,036 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,745 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $57,935	Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,256 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $67,934 Engineering Technology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,465 Year 2: $56,544 Year 3: $63,288 Curriculum and Instruction (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $53,198 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $61,548 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,164 Year 2: $59,919 Year 3: $59,589 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,855 Year 2: $55,512 Year 3: $56,127 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $56,482 Year 2: $54,430 Year 3: $52,630 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,023 Year 2: $41,565 Year 3: $52,250 Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,090 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $52,098 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,707 Year 2: $35,823 Year 3: $42,105 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $40,028 Year 2: $40,481 Year 3: $42,017

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Morehead State University (MSU) and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)?

Morehead State University (MSU) is known for its strong aerospace program, smaller class sizes, and a more rural campus environment. Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is recognized for its nationally ranked criminal justice program, larger student body, and a location closer to a larger city (Lexington). EKU also has a greater emphasis on pre-professional programs.
Which university, MSU or EKU, is larger?

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) generally has a larger student body than Morehead State University (MSU). EKU typically enrolls around 15,000 students, while MSU enrolls around 10,000.
How do the tuition costs compare between MSU and EKU?

Tuition costs at Morehead State University (MSU) and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) are generally comparable for in-state students. However, it's best to check the universities' official websites for the most up-to-date tuition rates and fees, as these can change annually. Out-of-state tuition will differ, and scholarship opportunities can significantly impact the final cost.
Which university has a stronger reputation for specific academic programs?

Morehead State University (MSU) is highly regarded for its aerospace programs, particularly space systems engineering and astrophysics. Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is nationally recognized for its criminal justice and safety programs, as well as its nursing and education programs. Your choice should depend on your intended major.
What is the campus environment like at MSU versus EKU?

Morehead State University (MSU) offers a more close-knit, rural campus environment in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has a more traditional college town feel in Richmond, Kentucky, with easier access to the amenities of Lexington.
How do the athletic programs compare between MSU and EKU?

Both Morehead State University (MSU) and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) compete in NCAA Division I athletics. EKU is a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference, while MSU is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference. Both universities offer a variety of sports, but EKU generally has a larger athletic program with more sports offerings.
What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at each university?

Both Morehead State University (MSU) and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offer a wide range of student life activities, including clubs, organizations, Greek life, and intramural sports. EKU, being the larger university, may have a greater variety of options, but MSU's smaller size can foster a stronger sense of community within its organizations.
Which university is closer to major cities and transportation hubs?

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is located in Richmond, Kentucky, which is closer to Lexington, a major city with an international airport. Morehead State University (MSU) is located in Morehead, Kentucky, which is more remote and requires a longer drive to reach major cities and airports.
What are the admission requirements for MSU and EKU?

Admission requirements for both Morehead State University (MSU) and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) typically include a high school diploma or GED, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), and a completed application. Specific requirements may vary depending on the program and the applicant's academic record. Check each university's admissions website for the most current details.
Do MSU and EKU offer online degree programs?

Yes, both Morehead State University (MSU) and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offer a variety of online degree programs. The specific programs available online may differ between the two universities, so it's best to check their respective websites for a complete list.
What resources are available for career services and job placement at MSU and EKU?

Both Morehead State University (MSU) and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offer career services to assist students with job placement, resume writing, interview skills, and career exploration. EKU, with its larger size and emphasis on pre-professional programs, may have a slightly more extensive network of employer connections, but both universities are committed to helping students succeed after graduation.
How do the scholarship opportunities compare between MSU and EKU?

Both Morehead State University (MSU) and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offer a variety of scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and other criteria. The specific scholarship opportunities and eligibility requirements may differ between the two universities. It's recommended to explore the scholarship pages on each university's website to find the best fit for your qualifications.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.