Eastern Kentucky University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Navigating college costs can feel overwhelming, especially for first-generation families. At Eastern Kentucky University, scholarships and special programs can make a real difference in affordability. This guide breaks down the numbers, highlights EKU’s automatic and hidden-gem awards, and points you to resources like our Kentucky state aid guide and the main College Scholarships Hub so you know exactly where to start.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Eastern Kentucky University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (12–18 credits) | $10,440 | $12,000 |
| Housing & Meals | $12,662 | $12,662 |
| Books & Supplies | $600 | $600 |
| Transportation | $2,100 | $2,100 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Total (before aid) | $28,302 | $29,862 |
Cost & Waiver FAQ
Who qualifies for ACM? Residents of participating SREB states, but only if their major isn’t offered in their home state.
How much can families save? At EKU, ACM now saves around $1,560 per year by dropping out-of-state tuition down to the new in-state rate.
Do I need to apply separately? Yes. You must apply through your home state’s ACM office and EKU’s Academic Common Market coordinator by the stated deadlines.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merit Tier 1 (KY Residents) | $8,000/yr | 3.8–4.0 GPA + ACT 28+ | No | Yes – 3.2 GPA + 24 hrs/yr | Top students with near-perfect GPAs and strong ACT scores |
| Merit Tier 2 (KY Residents) | $5,000/yr | 3.8–4.0 GPA + ACT 24+ | No | Yes – 3.2 GPA + 24 hrs/yr | High-A students with solid ACTs (24–27) |
| Merit Tier 3 (KY Residents) | $1,500/yr | 3.4+ GPA | No | Yes – 3.0 GPA + 24 hrs/yr | B+/A- average students, test optional |
| Merit Tier 4 (KY Residents) | $1,000/yr | 3.0–3.39 GPA | No | Yes – 3.0 GPA + 24 hrs/yr | Solid B average students |
| Scholar I (Nonresident) | $7,000/yr | 4.0 GPA + ACT 34+ | No | Yes – 3.0 GPA + 24 hrs/yr | Top-of-class 4.0 students with very high ACTs |
| Scholar II (Nonresident) | $5,000/yr | 4.0 GPA + ACT 33 | No | Yes – 3.0 GPA + 24 hrs/yr | Students at the very top with strong ACT |
| Scholar III (Nonresident) | $3,000/yr | 4.0 GPA + ACT 31–32 | No | Yes – 3.0 GPA + 24 hrs/yr | Top students with 4.0 and ACT just above 30 |
| Scholar IV (Nonresident) | $1,000/yr | 4.0 GPA + ACT 29–30 | No | Yes – 3.0 GPA + 24 hrs/yr | Students with perfect GPAs and ACT just under 30 |
| Scholar V (Nonresident) | $500/yr | 4.0 GPA only | No | Yes – 3.0 GPA + 24 hrs/yr | Top GPA earners without ACT |
Note: GPA and ACT ranges are taken directly from EKU’s scholarship tables. Renewal requires full-time enrollment and annual credit/GPA minimums. Awards cannot be stacked with Academic Common Market (ACM) tuition waivers.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to apply separately? No. Students are automatically considered when admitted by the priority deadline (March 1). You must accept by June 1.
Does EKU superscore the ACT? No — EKU uses the highest single ACT composite score for scholarship consideration, not superscoring.
Can I stack merit with ACM? No. If you take the Academic Common Market waiver, it replaces institutional merit scholarships.
Are test scores required? For most tiers, yes. Some lower tiers (3.0–3.39 GPA or 3.4+ GPA) can qualify test-optional.
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (competitive, limited slots)
These are the university’s most competitive (essay/interview) awards—often limited in number and larger than standard merit. For 2025–2026, Eastern Kentucky University does not publish a campus-wide flagship competitive scholarship separate from automatic merit. We’ll re-check before each cycle opens.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | What Makes It Competitive | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? |
|---|
Flagship (Competitive) Scholarship FAQ
Does EKU offer a campus-wide flagship (competitive) scholarship? Not for the 2025–2026 cycle based on current public information. EKU’s major awards are admission-based (automatic merit). We will re-verify each year.
Where should competitive students look instead? Check the Honors section (selective admission with an annual Honors scholarship) and the Hidden Gems for study abroad, ROTC, and need-sensitive programs. Departmental scholarships are handled within colleges and programs and will appear in their own section (not here).
Can flagship/competitive awards (if added later) stack with automatic merit or ACM? EKU’s policy limits stacking of institutional scholarships and notes that ACM replaces institutional merit. Any future flagship award would follow those stacking rules unless EKU states otherwise.
Are essays, interviews, or portfolios required? Typical competitive (flagship) scholarships at other universities require them; EKU has not published a university-level competition this cycle. If EKU adds one, expect additional materials and firm deadlines.
⭐ College Specialty
Eastern Kentucky University has built its reputation around applied, career-ready programs that serve Kentucky and beyond. Families often hear about EKU’s strengths in safety, aviation, and health sciences—but the university also shines in unique ways that give graduates a direct pipeline into essential industries.
- Forensic Science: EKU hosts one of just 18 undergraduate programs in the U.S. accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).
- Aviation: Kentucky’s only FAA-approved university flight training program, with new facilities and airline pathway agreements.
- Emergency Medical Care: EKU’s EMC program is the longest-accredited in Kentucky and the second-longest nationally, preparing advanced paramedics and EMS leaders.
- Justice & Safety Programs: Consistently ranked among the best public safety and homeland security programs in the region, with strong ties to state and federal agencies.
🎖️ Honors College
For high-achieving students, the EKU Honors Program offers a chance to push further. Admission is competitive and requires essays, recommendations, and a separate application—but the payoff is small classes, dedicated faculty mentoring, and experiences that go far beyond a typical degree.
High school GPA 3.5+ and ACT 26+ are common among admitted students, along with a rigorous course load, strong writing skills, leadership in activities, and a clear academic focus.
EKU does not publish strict cutoffs; these ranges are based on program guidance and past cohorts.
- Priority course registration each semester
- Small, seminar-style Honors courses that count toward general education
- Faculty mentorship and required thesis or creative project
- Honors Living Learning Community (optional)
- Enhanced opportunities for study abroad, service, and research
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EKU Honors Program Scholarship | $1,500/yr | First-time freshmen admitted into the EKU Honors Program | Yes – separate Honors Program application (essays required) | Yes – up to 4 years, requires good standing | High-achieving first-year students (GPA 3.5+ and ACT 26+ are typical) |
- Study Abroad Awards: Competitive funding ($1,500–$2,500) for Honors students participating in global programs.
- Conference Travel Grants: Covers travel for Honors students presenting research at academic conferences such as NCHC.
- National Merit Semifinalists/Finalists: Automatically accepted into Honors and eligible for the EKU Excellence Award, a competitive university-wide scholarship.
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic if I meet GPA or test requirements? No. Admission is by separate application and requires multiple essays. Strong grades help, but writing and leadership matter too.
Does Honors add time to my degree? No. The program is designed as a minor completed alongside your major, and courses count toward general education.
What’s the deadline? Priority deadlines are typically in mid-January (e.g., January 15 for fall entry). Final dates are posted on EKU’s Honors website each year.
Do Honors students get extra scholarships? Yes, accepted students receive a $1,500 renewable Honors Program Scholarship. Additional funding for study abroad and conferences is also available.
📎 Official Links
- Eastern Kentucky University — Homepage
- EKU Honors Program
- Scholarships
- Financial Aid (Big E Central)
Final Thoughts
Choosing a college isn’t just about the sticker price—it’s about knowing where the real savings are. At Eastern Kentucky University, automatic merit helps strong students, while hidden gems like BookSmart and Colonel Commitment can ease costs for everyone else. Add in selective programs like Honors and opportunities in fields EKU is nationally known for, and families have real options to bring the price down without sacrificing quality. If you’re mapping out costs and scholarships, remember to compare offers side by side and keep deadlines on your calendar.
✅ Last updated: September 25, 2025