GSU vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Governors State University in University Park, 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 GSU based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

GSU vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU 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 GSU ($9,211 vs. $12,756).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 7.7% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,736 vs. $12,712).
• Governors State University is 8.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $916 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.5% higher at NKU than at Governors State University (about $9,908 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Governors State University (98% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Governors State University students is 10.9% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($11,455 vs. $10,332).

GSU vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU 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 GSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 100 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; 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: GSU - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027; NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.58 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at NKU (3.42).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 36.8% at NKU.

GSU vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU 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).

• Graduates from Governors State University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $7,700 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($17,250 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $79 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($178 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU 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.