Athens State University vs. NKU

Should I go to Athens State University or Northern Kentucky University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Athens State University or NKU is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

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Athens State University vs. Northern Kentucky University comparison
Athens State University Northern Kentucky University College 3 College 4
Northern Kentucky University
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Overview

Athens State University NKU
Location Athens, AL Highland Heights, KY
Setting Town Fringe Large Suburban
Enrollment 2,955 14,961
Type Public 4 Year Public 4 Year
National Ranking #912
Religious Affiliation - - - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website athens.edu nku.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Athens State University NKU
Tuition (In State) $0 $10,512
Tuition (Out of State) $0 $21,096
Room & Board $0 $11,660
Avg Net Price - $8,151
Avg Grant Aid $0 $11,492
% Receiving Grant Aid 0% 98%

Admission

Athens State University NKU
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied - 6,417
Admitted - 6,162
Acceptance Rate 96%
Enrolled % 21%
Avg High School GPA - 3.42
Typical High School Grades - B+
Admissions Standards Unavailable Very Easy
Applicant Competition
ACT Range 19/25
SAT Range 916/1133
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Aug 15, 2026

Academics

Athens State University NKU
Student to Faculty Ratio 14:1 18:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (26%)
  • Health Professions (11%)
  • Education (9%)
  • Visual and Performing Arts (7%)
  • Social Sciences (6%)

Outcomes

Athens State University NKU
Graduation Rate - 37%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $42,200 $39,700
Making Student Loan Payments 49% 53%
Median Student Loan Debt $18,534 $24,950
Median Loan Payment $191 $257

Diversity

Athens State University NKU
% Men 5% 10%
% Women 9% 24%
Racial Diversity Low Very Low
HBCU No No
% White 78% 82%
% Black 12% 7%
% Hispanic 2% 3%
% Native American 2% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 2% 2%
% International 1% 3%
% Unknown Race 3% 1%

Students

Athens State University NKU
% In-State - 71%
% Out-of-State - 28%

Campus

Athens State University NKU
Campus Housing No Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No
Meal Plan No Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes Yes Yes
Daycare Facility Yes
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Northern Kentucky University is larger than than Athens State University based on total student enrollment (14,961 students vs. 2,955 students)

Athens State University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Athens State University or NKU?

  • Northern Kentucky University is ?% more expensive to attend than Athens State University for in-state tuition ($10,512.00 vs. $0.00)
  • Out of state tuition is ?% higher at NKU than Athens State University ($21,096.00 vs. $0.00)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than Athens State University (98% vs. 0%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is ?% larger than aid received Athens State University ($11,492 vs. $0)

Which college is harder to get into, Athens State University or NKU? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between NKU or Athens State University .

Athens State University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Athens State University or NKU? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between NKU and Athens State University.

  • Graduates from Athens State University earn on average $2,500 more per year than NKU graduates after ten years. ($42,200 vs. $39,700)
  • Athens State University students graduate with a $6,416 lower median federal student loan debt than NKU graduates. ($18,534 vs. $24,950)
  • Athens State University graduates are paying $66 less per month on federal student loans than NKU graduates. ($191 vs. $257)
  • More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Athens State University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 49%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/