Nursing at Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, KY · Public · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

A 78% acceptance rate means Eastern Kentucky University is accessible to most applicants, serving 11,674 students in Richmond, KY.

Program Analysis

Eastern Kentucky University's Nursing program produces graduates earning $66,512/yr — within striking distance of the $69,474 national average for this trade.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 35.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Nursing programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Nursing's career paths, with 39% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 3% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $21,464 in median debt clears fast against $66,512 in annual earnings.

Ranked #760 of 947 Nursing programs, Eastern Kentucky University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

There are 4 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Nursing, including Home Health Director (median $117,960/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

73 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
69
Low End
73
Score
74
High End
Earnings $66,512/yr (-4% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$67K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
35.5x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$20,260
Out-of-state: $41,640
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,464
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,930
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Nursing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Nurse anesthetists $223,210 +8.6% 83%
Nurse practitioners $129,210 +40.1% 52%
Nurse midwives $128,790 +11.1% 61%
Nurse anesthetists
$223,210
+8.6% growth 83% AI-proof
Nurse practitioners
$129,210
+40.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Nurse midwives
$128,790
+11.1% growth 61% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Nursing Career Guide

Explore what Nursing graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 947 programs nationwide.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Eastern Kentucky University

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 73/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Nursing at Eastern Kentucky University?
A score of 73/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Eastern Kentucky University trails the majority of Nursing programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Nursing to AI automation?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Eastern Kentucky University graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Can I learn Nursing through an apprenticeship instead of Eastern Kentucky University?
Yes — 4 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Nursing career paths, including Home Health Director. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Eastern Kentucky University.
Is there demand for Nursing workers?
With approximately 292,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Nursing offers a very large employment pool. Eastern Kentucky University graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →