Aurora University vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Aurora University in Aurora, IL 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 Aurora University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 5,923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Aurora University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora 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 Aurora University ($9,211 vs. $19,053).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 6.4% lower than at Aurora University ($12,712 vs. $13,580).
• Aurora University is 163.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $18,082 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.1% higher at Aurora University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $7,258 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aurora University than at Northern Kentucky University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 108.2% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($21,513 vs. $10,332).

Aurora University vs. NKU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Aurora University (1030).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Aurora University has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Aurora University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora 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).

• Aurora University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Aurora University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,900 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $2,613 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($22,337 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($230 vs. $257).
• More Aurora University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.