Eastern Kentucky University crest

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, United States • Founded 1906

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: eku.edu

Overview

Acronyms: EKU
Founded: 1906
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
SCImago 2026 #4636
Motto: Where Students and Learning Come First
Colours: Maroon and white
Mascot: Colonels
Eastern Kentucky University central facility
1 / 2

Founded in 1906, the Eastern Kentucky University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Richmond (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Kentucky.

Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 118-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

EKU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Find Eastern Kentucky University on the map and its contact channels below.

Address: 521 Lancaster Avenue
Postal Code: 40475-3102
Phone: +1 (859) 622 1000
Fax: +1 (859) 622 1020
Social Media:

Academic Details

A snapshot of Eastern Kentucky University's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and recognition.

Recognition: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Students: 12,318
Academic Staff Range: 900-999
Campus Setting: Rural
Memberships & Networks
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Eastern Kentucky University's faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units are listed below.

Unit 16 items
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • College of Business and Technology
  • College of Education
  • College of Education and Applied Human Sciences
  • College of Health Sciences
  • College of Justice and Safety
  • College of STEM
  • School of Applied Human Sciences
  • School of Art & Design
  • School of Aviation
  • School of Communication
  • School of Education
  • School of Justice Studies
  • School of Music
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Safety, Security & Emergency Management

Programs Offered

All active programmes at Eastern Kentucky University are listed by degree level.

153 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 69 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Production Operations
Agriculture
Bachelor's Degree in Air Transportation
Aviation Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in American Sign Language
Linguistics & Language Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
Agriculture
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration

Showing 10 of 69.

Master's Degree 33 programmes

Master's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Master's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Master's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Master's Degree in Business/Commerce, General
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Master's Degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Master's Degree in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Speech & Language Therapy
Master's Degree in Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer Sciences
Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice
Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
Education & Teaching

Showing 10 of 33.

Doctorate 4 programmes

Doctorate in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Doctorate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing
Doctorate in Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Rehabilitation Sciences

Professional Doctorate 4 programmes

Professional Doctorate in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Professional Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Professional Doctorate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing
Professional Doctorate in Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Rehabilitation Sciences

Associate's Degree 8 programmes

Associate's Degree in Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other
Agriculture · English
Associate's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences · English
Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice · English
Associate's Degree in Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
General Engineering · English
Associate's Degree in Legal Support Services
Law · English
Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Liberal Arts
Associate's Degree in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing · English
Associate's Degree in Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Education & Teaching

Certificate 19 programmes

Certificate in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Certificate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Certificate in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Certificate in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice
Certificate in Dispute Resolution
Liberal Arts
Certificate in Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Performing Arts
Certificate in Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians
General Engineering
Certificate in Finance and Financial Management Services
Finance, Banking & Insurance
Certificate in Fire Protection
Emergency & Disaster Management
Certificate in Geography and Cartography
Geography

Showing 10 of 19.

Postgraduate Certificate 16 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Postgraduate Certificate in Business/Commerce, General
Business Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Postgraduate Certificate in Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Postgraduate Certificate in Educational/Instructional Media Design
Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Certificate in Homeland Security
Criminal Law & Justice
Postgraduate Certificate in Psychology, Other
Psychology
Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration
Public Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health
Public Health

Showing 10 of 16.

How to apply to Eastern Kentucky University

What applying to Eastern Kentucky University involves, in five steps.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Eastern Kentucky University offers 153 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Each programme at Eastern Kentucky University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Apply directly via Eastern Kentucky University's online portal at www.eku.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (859) 622 1000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Eastern Kentucky University

Quick reference for Eastern Kentucky University: founding, control type, and recognition status.

In what year was Eastern Kentucky University established?

Eastern Kentucky University was founded in 1906 (approximately 120 years ago).

Where can I find Eastern Kentucky University?

The institution is located in Richmond, United States.

What is Eastern Kentucky University's control type?

Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution.

How many students does Eastern Kentucky University have?

The institution has a student body of 12,318.

How is Eastern Kentucky University organised academically?

Eastern Kentucky University is organised into 16 academic units across its disciplines.

Is Eastern Kentucky University accredited?

Yes, Eastern Kentucky University is recognised by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

What is Eastern Kentucky University's official website?

The institution's website is www.eku.edu.

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Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), alongside Eastern Kentucky University.

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