Anderson University vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Anderson University in Anderson, IN 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 Anderson University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,228 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, IN (Small City setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 10:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Anderson University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Anderson University 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 Anderson University ($9,211 vs. $25,332).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 0.7% lower than at Anderson University ($12,712 vs. $12,800).
• Anderson University is 235.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $26,152 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70% higher at Anderson University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $15,328 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Anderson University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 151.1% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($25,946 vs. $10,332).

Anderson University vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Anderson University 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 Anderson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Anderson University (1030).
• Incoming NKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Anderson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 900/1150; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 17/24; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Anderson University - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Anderson University (3.4).
• Anderson University has a higher acceptance rate (79.3%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Anderson University vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Anderson University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Anderson University 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).

• Anderson University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Anderson University earn a median of about $700 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $2,050 lower median loan debt than Anderson University graduates ($24,950 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Anderson University graduates ($257 vs. $279).
• More Anderson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 53%)

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.