AAMU vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Alabama A & M University in Normal, AL with Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than AAMU based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 7,295 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alabama A & M University is located in Normal, AL (Midsize City setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Alabama A & M University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alabama A & M University 19:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

AAMU vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AAMU or NKU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Northern Kentucky University than AAMU ($9,211 vs. $17,152).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alabama A & M University are 10.3% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,402 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 10.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than AAMU (about $1,064 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $10,024.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.6% higher at NKU than at Alabama A & M University (about $3,278 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $18,634.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Alabama A & M University (98% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alabama A & M University students is 24.3% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($12,844 vs. $10,332).

AAMU vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AAMU or NKU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between NKU and AAMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 120 points higher than at AAMU (930).
• Incoming NKU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 16 at AAMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama A & M University 810/1040; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama A & M University 14/19; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AAMU - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at AAMU (3.02).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than AAMU (58%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.5% at AAMU vs. 36.8% at NKU.

AAMU vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AAMU and NKU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Northern Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Alabama A & M University's (32%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than AAMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $10,050 lower median loan debt than AAMU graduates ($24,950 vs. $35,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $104 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AAMU graduates ($257 vs. $361).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AAMU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 25%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.