Brenau University vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Brenau University in Gainesville, GA 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 Brenau University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 2,436 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brenau University is located in Gainesville, GA (Small City setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Brenau University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brenau University 11:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Brenau University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brenau 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 Brenau University ($9,211 vs. $19,743).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 1.1% lower than at Brenau University ($12,712 vs. $12,850).
• Brenau University is 206.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $22,939 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.3% higher at Brenau University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $12,115 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brenau University than at Northern Kentucky University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brenau University students is 154.8% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($26,325 vs. $10,332).

Brenau University vs. NKU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brenau University (1070) is 20 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming NKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Brenau University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 930/1200; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 18/22; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brenau University - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Brenau University (3.39).
• Brenau University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Brenau University vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Brenau University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brenau 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).

• Brenau University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Brenau University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,600 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 Brenau University graduates ($24,950 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brenau University graduates ($257 vs. $279).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brenau University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 48%)

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.