IWU vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana Wesleyan University Marion in Marion, 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 IWU based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 2,204 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is located in Marion, IN (Distant Town setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 12:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

IWU vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU 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 IWU ($9,211 vs. $23,402).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion are 14.5% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($10,868 vs. $12,712).
• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is 191.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $21,264 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.6% higher at IWU than at Northern Kentucky University (about $10,440 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Indiana Wesleyan University Marion students is 107.2% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($21,405 vs. $10,332).

IWU vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IWU 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 IWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion (1070) is 20 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming IWU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 960/1180; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 19/28; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at NKU (3.42).
• IWU has a higher acceptance rate (88.9%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17% at IWU vs. 36.8% at NKU.

IWU vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU 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).

• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Indiana Wesleyan University Marion earn a median of about $14,600 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana Wesleyan University Marion graduates have a $846 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($24,104 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, IWU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($249 vs. $257).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (55% 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.