IU South Bend vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana University South Bend in South Bend, 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 South Bend based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 4,631 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana University South Bend is located in South Bend, IN (Midsize City setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Indiana University South Bend 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 South Bend 15:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

IU South Bend vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IU South Bend 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 South Bend than NKU ($9,003 vs. $9,211).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana University South Bend are 19.9% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($10,184 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 31.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than IU South Bend (about $2,664 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $8,424.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.1% higher at IU South Bend 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 South Bend (98% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 23.4% larger than aid received by Indiana University South Bend students ($10,332 vs. $8,371).

IU South Bend vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IU South Bend 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 South Bend.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Indiana University South Bend (1070) is 20 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming IU South Bend 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 South Bend 950/1190; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University South Bend 21/23; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IU South Bend - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at IU South Bend (3.24).
• IU South Bend has a higher acceptance rate (83.8%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at IU South Bend vs. 36.8% at NKU.

IU South Bend vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IU South Bend 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 South Bend's (22%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than IU South Bend graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana University South Bend graduates have a $420 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($24,530 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, IU South Bend graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($253 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IU South Bend students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 47%)

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.