Learn more about UPIKE and why it is the right choice for you.
See if UPIKE is a good fit for you and take the next steps in becoming a student.
The vision for the College of Dental Medicine is to be known and respected for service, innovation, clinical excellence and interprofessional education.
We are practitioners of the healing arts defining the standard for excellence in optometric education and vision care.
Our D.O. medical school is nationally ranked and recognized for a reputation of excellence in rural medicine and family healthcare. UPIKE’s osteopathy program gives you a clear path to success in the medical field.
Explore our online undergraduate and graduate programs and learn more about earning your degree at UPIKE.
By: Amy Charles | June 25, 2026
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) generated an annual economic impact of $152.6 million in fiscal year 2025, demonstrating its continued role as a driver of economic growth, workforce development and regional vitality across Eastern Kentucky.
According to an economic impact analysis prepared by UPIKE’s Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, the university’s influence extends well beyond campus operations through student and employee spending, capital investments, community engagement and long-term workforce contributions.
For every dollar spent by UPIKE, the institution generated $1.81 in economic activity, underscoring its return on investment to the region and local economy.
“UPIKE’s mission extends beyond educating students. We are creating opportunities, strengthening communities and serving as a catalyst for economic growth across the region,” said UPIKE President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D. “These findings reflect the meaningful impact our students, employees, alumni and academic programs have on Eastern Kentucky every day.”
The university employed 433 individuals during fiscal year 2025 and supported more than 643 jobs throughout the region through its operations and economic influence.
UPIKE also continues to make higher education accessible through institutional, state and federal financial support. The university awarded more than $15 million in institutional scholarships and facilitated more than $9.5 million in state and federal grant funding to help reduce financial barriers for students.
UPIKE’s impact is especially evident through its alumni network and contributions to regional healthcare. Within a 50-mile radius of Pikeville, 6,894 UPIKE graduates live and work throughout the region, providing leadership and professional expertise across industries. Among them, UPIKE’s osteopathic physician and optometrist alumni generated an estimated $614.4 million in direct and indirect economic output, reinforcing the university’s role in strengthening the workforce and improving access to care across Eastern Kentucky.
During fiscal year 2025, the university served 2,904 students across undergraduate, graduate and professional programs and awarded 588 degrees.