University of Pikeville
University of Pikeville — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Pikeville at a Glance
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) is a private university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and located in Pikeville, Kentucky, United States. It was founded in 1889 by the Presbyterian Church and is located on a 25-acre (10 ha) campus on a hillside overlooking downtown Pikeville.
1889
137 years old
2,547
1,540 undergrad · 1,007 grad
500 acres
Identity
Is University of Pikeville Worth It?
At a value score of 24/100, University of Pikeville is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,231 — 10% below average — while paying $20,311/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 40% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Pikeville has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Pikeville compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in KY
Ranked #284 of 405 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Berea College | 100 | $6,106 | $43,150 |
| #2 | College of the Ozarks | 100 | $6,100 | $41,592 |
| #3 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #4 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #5 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #6 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #284 | University of Pikeville | 24 | $20,311 | $48,231 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Pikeville's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 12 in KY.
Best Programs at University of Pikeville
The highest-earning program at University of Pikeville is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $28,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Communication and Media Studies at $20,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate from University of Pikeville earns $28,100, while a Communication and Media Studies graduate earns $20,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates carry $26,750 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Communication and Media Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,311/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $28,100 | $28,100 | $26,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $25,600 | $25,600 | $26,924 |
| Biology, General | $24,100 | $24,100 | $24,750 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $20,700 | $20,700 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in KY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Pikeville, KY
- Student Body
- 1,135 students
- Graduation Rate
- 40%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,311
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,231
- Median Student Debt
- $20,679