Emem EtimChoosing the right university is a big decision—especially if you’re balancing work, family, or other commitments. That’s where Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Online Degrees come in. EKU offers a flexible and fully accredited online learning experience that’s designed for real life. Whether you’re advancing your current career or starting fresh, EKU provides a wide range of online degrees in high-demand fields like nursing, education, criminal justice, psychology, and more.
What stands out about EKU Online is the combination of academic excellence and personal support. You get the same respected faculty, challenging coursework, and career-focused programs that on-campus students enjoy—but with the freedom to learn at your own pace. If you’re looking for a reputable, affordable, and student-first online education, Eastern Kentucky University could be exactly what you need to take your next step forward—without putting your life on pause.
ESU Academic and Professional Interests
Eastern Kentucky University offers a robust catalog of over 100 online degree and certificate programs, catering to diverse academic and professional interests. These programs span six colleges: Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences; Business; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Education and Applied Human Sciences; Health Sciences; and Justice, Safety, and Military Science.
Popular offerings include the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Master of Science in Nursing, and programs in criminal justice, psychology, and fire protection. Most programs are 100% online, with exceptions like the paralegal program, which requires two weeks of on-campus writing and research, and the fire, arson, and explosion investigation program, which involves hands-on lab work. Courses are delivered in accelerated 7-week terms during fall and spring and 6-week terms in summer, allowing students to focus on two classes at a time while maintaining a full-time load.
Online Degree Options
EKU’s online degree options range from associate to doctoral levels, providing pathways for various career goals. Associate degrees include Police Studies, General Studies, and Paralegal Studies. Bachelor’s programs feature in-demand fields like Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology, Homeland Security, Occupational Safety, Psychology, and Corrections & Juvenile Justice Studies.
Graduate offerings include Master’s degrees in Nursing (Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner), Public Administration, and Industrial and Organizational Psychology. EKU also offers joint doctoral programs with partner institutions, particularly in education. The Bachelor of Arts in General Studies is especially flexible, allowing students to align prior coursework with career aspirations, complemented by a wide range of minors and certificates in areas like forensic psychology and autism spectrum disorders. This diversity ensures learners can tailor their education to their unique needs.
Accreditation and Recognition
EKU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring that all online degrees meet rigorous academic standards. This accreditation facilitates credit transfers and eligibility for federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Specific programs, such as those in nursing, education, and public health, hold additional accreditations from relevant professional bodies.
EKU is consistently ranked among the nation’s best online colleges, with U.S. News & World Report placing it at No. 84 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and No. 27 for Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. Recognized as an “Opportunity College and University” by the Carnegie Foundation, EKU is also noted for its veteran-friendly policies and commitment to student success.
Admission Requirements
Admission to EKU’s online programs is straightforward but varies by degree level. Undergraduate applicants must submit official high school transcripts or GED scores, SAT or ACT scores (waivable for those with significant work experience), and an application. The pre-college curriculum requires four years of English, three years of mathematics, two years of foreign language, and three years of science.
Graduate applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with some programs requiring specific prerequisites, such as a criminal justice background for leadership programs. International students must provide a course-by-course transcript evaluation from a NACES member, demonstrate English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL scores of 71 internet-based), and verify financial resources ($35,412 USD for most programs, $48,412 for Aviation). The application process is rolling, with no fee, and deadlines are August 1 for fall, December 1 for spring, and May 1 for summer.
Tuition and Financial Aid
EKU Online offers competitive tuition rates, with all students paying the same rate regardless of residency. Undergraduate programs start at $510 per credit hour, while nursing programs cost $662 per credit, and other graduate programs are $611 per credit. The EKU BookSmart program provides free textbooks, reducing costs.
Financial aid options include federal grants and loans via FAFSA, private loans, employer tuition reimbursement, and military benefits. EKU Foundation Scholarships, based on academics, major, or residency, are accessible through a single application. Failure to report external awards may lead to repayment issues. The university’s transparent pricing and robust financial aid make higher education accessible for diverse learners.
Flexibility and Convenience
Designed for adult learners, EKU’s online programs prioritize flexibility. Asynchronous courses allow students to log in at their convenience, with no fixed class times, though assignments and exams have set deadlines. The accelerated term structure—two 7-week terms in fall and spring, and two 6-week terms in summer—enables students to complete coursework efficiently. With six start dates annually, learners can begin when ready. EKU provides free online tutoring and career services, ensuring students have the support needed to succeed. A reliable computer with high-speed internet and Mozilla Firefox as the primary browser is recommended for optimal performance.
Student Support Services
EKU Online excels in supporting its students. The Office of Academic and Career Services offers comprehensive guidance, from academic advising to job placement. Free online tutoring is available, and the university’s virtual resources include access to the John Grant Crabbe Library. Advisors assist with credit transfers (up to 49 hours for associate degrees, 90 for bachelor’s) and degree planning. Student reviews highlight responsive professors and helpful staff, though some note challenges with group projects in asynchronous settings. EKU’s commitment to student success is evident in its personalized approach, with class sizes typically under 50, fostering meaningful interactions.
Career Outcomes
EKU’s online degrees are designed to enhance career prospects. The General Studies program, for instance, equips graduates with critical thinking and communication skills applicable to fields like business, education, and public service. Specialized programs like Nursing and Fire Protection prepare students for specific roles, such as rural health nurse practitioners or fire safety engineers. Graduates join a network of over 15,000 alumni, including notable figures like Lee Majors and Sam Champion. EKU’s focus on real-world preparation ensures graduates are ready for professional success or further studies, with many pursuing graduate or professional school.
Comparison with Other Online Schools
EKU stands tall among other top online schools, offering a blend of affordability, flexibility, and accreditation. Here’s how it compares to ten notable institutions:
-
University of Kentucky: Offers over 80 online programs, with a strong alumni network but higher tuition for out-of-state students.
-
Western Kentucky University: Known for affordable online degrees in education and business, but fewer program options than EKU.
-
University of Louisville: Provides online nursing and criminal justice programs, with a focus on Kentucky residents.
-
Arizona State University: A leader in online education with over 200 programs, but tuition is higher for non-residents.
-
Southern New Hampshire University: Offers flexible, affordable online degrees, though it lacks EKU’s regional focus.
-
Liberty University: Known for Christian-based online programs, with a broader range but less emphasis on accelerated terms.
-
Penn State World Campus: Offers prestigious online degrees, but costs are significantly higher than EKU’s.
-
University of Florida: Provides high-ranking online programs, particularly in business, but with stricter admission requirements.
-
Purdue Global: Focuses on adult learners with flexible programs, though accreditation differs from EKU’s regional status.
-
Walden University: Specializes in online graduate degrees, but its for-profit model contrasts with EKU’s public, nonprofit structure.
EKU’s combination of accelerated scheduling, free textbooks, and regional accreditation makes it a compelling choice for value-driven learners.
Student Reviews and Experiences
Student feedback underscores EKU’s strengths and areas for improvement. Many praise the supportive advisors and engaging professors, with one student noting, “The professors are quick to respond and very helpful!” The accelerated term structure is appreciated for allowing focus on fewer courses.
However, some students find asynchronous learning isolating, citing a lack of classroom discussions and occasional issues with group projects. Others mention that certain courses, like Business Writing, felt redundant. Overall, EKU’s online programs are lauded for their flexibility and quality, particularly for working professionals and parents.
Addressing Common Questions
What types of online degrees does EKU offer?
EKU provides associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in fields like education, nursing, criminal justice, and general studies, with over 100 options.
How flexible are EKU’s online programs?
Courses are asynchronous, with six start dates yearly and accelerated terms, allowing students to study at their own pace while meeting deadlines.
Is EKU accredited?
Yes, EKU is regionally accredited by SACSCOC, with additional program-specific accreditations in nursing and education.
What are the admission requirements for EKU Online?
Undergraduate applicants need high school transcripts or GED, SAT/ACT scores (waivable), and an application. Graduate and international students have additional requirements.
Conclusion
Eastern Kentucky University Online Degrees offer a gateway to transformative education for adult learners seeking flexibility and quality. With a century-long legacy, regional accreditation, and a diverse array of over 100 programs, EKU empowers students to achieve their academic and career aspirations. From free textbooks to robust student support, EKU ensures accessibility and success. Whether you’re pursuing a degree in nursing, education, or general studies, EKU’s online platform is designed to fit your life. Take the first step toward your future—explore EKU’s online programs today and unlock your potential.
Emem Etim
