EIU vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, 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 EIU based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 8,505 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Eastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Illinois University 14:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

EIU vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EIU 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 EIU ($9,211 vs. $13,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Illinois University are 3.4% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,282 vs. $12,712).
• Eastern Illinois University is 23.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $2,591 more per year; $13,679.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.1% higher at NKU than at Eastern Illinois University (about $5,695 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $16,217.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Eastern Illinois University (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Illinois University students is 25.4% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($12,960 vs. $10,332).

EIU vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EIU 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 EIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 60 points higher than at EIU (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Illinois University 880/1090; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorthern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EIU - 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 EIU (3.39).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than EIU (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at EIU vs. 36.8% at NKU.

EIU vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EIU 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).

• Eastern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Eastern Illinois University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Illinois University graduates have a $1,300 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($23,650 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, EIU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($244 vs. $257).
• More EIU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.