Eastern vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY with Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Kentucky University is larger than NKU based on total student enrollment (15,673 students vs. 15,347 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond, KY (Distant Town setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Eastern Kentucky 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 Kentucky University 17:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Eastern vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Eastern 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 Eastern ($9,211 vs. $12,279).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Kentucky University are 3.5% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,268 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 7.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Eastern (about $768 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $10,320.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.2% higher at NKU than at Eastern Kentucky University (about $682 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $21,230.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Kentucky University as at Northern Kentucky University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Kentucky University students is 11% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($11,468 vs. $10,332).

Eastern vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Eastern 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 Eastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 70 points higher than at Eastern (980).
• Incoming Eastern students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 880/1080; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 19/25; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Eastern - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Eastern Aug 1, 2027; NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Eastern (3.39).
• Eastern has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Eastern vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Eastern vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Eastern 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 Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Eastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Kentucky University graduates have a $1,255 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($23,695 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Eastern graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($245 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern 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/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.