By Ethan Sirles
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has been recognized among the Best Colleges in the U.S. in the WSJ College Pulse Ranking 2025. The list is presented by The Wall Street Journal, College Pulse and Statista.
In addition to the College Rankings, EKU also landed on the WSJ College Pulse rankings of Student Experience, Best Salaries, Social Mobility and Best Value. EKU was in the top 50% of the Best Value ranking, and came in at No. 154 out of 500 on the Social Mobility list, first among Kentucky’s public universities. According to WSJ College Pulse, the Social Mobility ranking “rewards universities that take in the highest proportion of students coming from lower-income families, while maintaining high graduation rates and having a positive impact on graduate salaries and minimizing the costs of attending the college.”
EKU President David McFaddin said, “We’re proud to be included once again in The Wall Street Journal’s ranking of Best Colleges. EKU’s outstanding performance in the Social Mobility category highlights our commitment to providing excellent educational opportunities to our students, many of whom are the first in their families—as I was—to earn a college degree. Ensuring an affordable and accessible education, as well as good career opportunities upon graduation, are paramount in our mission as a School of Opportunity.”
The Best Colleges in the U.S. ranks undergraduate institutions based on the value they provide to their students, considering factors such as the learning environment, years to pay off the net price, degree completion rates and others. Results were determined by data from the U.S. Department of Education and the Census Bureau, along with one of the largest-ever independent surveys of undergraduate students and alumni. Approximately 110,000 verified college students in the U.S. and recent undergraduate alumni were anonymously surveyed on topics such as career preparation, learning opportunities and campus life.
Based on the results of the study, EKU is included in the WSJ College Pulse Ranking 2025.
EKU leads the state in shaping the workforce of the Commonwealth, with the highest rate for state employment among Kentucky’s public institutions one year after graduation, according to the KYSTATS Multi-State Postsecondary Report.
Alumni surveys conducted by EKU six months after graduation indicate over three-fourths of EKU graduates are employed full time, and earn an average salary of $50,000. Furthermore, 93% report being satisfied with their career choice.
“EKU has granted me countless opportunities and a system to succeed,” said 2024 EKU Graduate Clayton Latham. “EKU was a game changer due to the fantastic faculty and staff that love what they do. Whether it be going to classes, working within student government, or planning an event with my fraternity, EKU faculty and staff are always looking to assist and see each and every student succeed.”
The WSJ College Pulse award list was announced on Sept. 4, 2024, and can be viewed on the WSJ website. Additionally, EKU is ranked among Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, Best Bang for the Buck Colleges by Washington Monthly, and No. 2 nationally in Military Friendly® Schools and Military Friendly® Spouse Schools.