Head to head · Kentucky
Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At $75–110k and below, Western Kentucky University is the cheaper of the two; from over $110k up, Eastern Kentucky University is. Sticker price shows none of this.
| Household income | Eastern Kentucky University | Western Kentucky University | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $30k | $8,591 | $7,087 | $1,504 |
| $30–48k | $8,005 | $6,871 | $1,134 |
| $48–75k | $10,382 | $9,765 | $617 |
| $75–110k | $14,384 | $14,049 | $335 |
| Over $110k | $17,009 | $17,653 | $644 |
Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.
Early Decision: when the binding bet is worth it →
Why three likely admits is the floor for a safe season →
Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.
Listed Eastern Kentucky University first, then Western Kentucky University. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.
Again Eastern Kentucky University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.
These are averages. Your family isn't average.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. First three schools free.
Eastern Kentucky University — every income band · Western Kentucky University — every income band · All Kentucky public colleges