IU Northwest vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana University Northwest in Gary, IN 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 IU Northwest based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 3,041 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana University Northwest is located in Gary, IN (Small City setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Indiana University Northwest is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana University Northwest 15:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

IU Northwest vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IU Northwest 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 Indiana University Northwest than NKU ($5,745 vs. $9,211).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana University Northwest are 13.7% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($10,972 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 31.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than IU Northwest (about $2,664 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $8,424.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.1% higher at IU Northwest than at Northern Kentucky University (about $899 more per year; $22,811.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Indiana University Northwest (98% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 24.1% larger than aid received by Indiana University Northwest students ($10,332 vs. $8,327).

IU Northwest vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IU Northwest 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 IU Northwest.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Indiana University Northwest (1050) is the same as at NKU (1050).
• Incoming IU Northwest 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: Indiana University Northwest 910/1180; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Northwest 18/26; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IU Northwest - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at IU Northwest (3.14).
• IU Northwest has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.5% at IU Northwest vs. 36.8% at NKU.

IU Northwest vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IU Northwest 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).

• Northern Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Indiana University Northwest's (23%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $200 more per year than IU Northwest graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $39,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $80 lower median loan debt than IU Northwest graduates ($24,950 vs. $25,030).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IU Northwest graduates ($257 vs. $258).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IU Northwest students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 33%)

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.