Judson University vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Judson University in Elgin, 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 Judson University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 960 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Judson University is located in Elgin, IL (Midsize City setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Judson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Judson University 10:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Judson University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Judson University 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 Judson University ($9,211 vs. $18,673).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Judson University are 3.1% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,320 vs. $12,712).
• Judson University is 182.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $20,272 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.1% higher at Judson University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $9,448 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Judson University as at Northern Kentucky University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Judson University students is 132.5% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($24,024 vs. $10,332).

Judson University vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Judson University 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 Judson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 80 points higher than at Judson University (970).
• Incoming NKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Judson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Judson University 816/1118; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Judson University 16/24; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Judson University - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Judson University (3.16).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than Judson University (47.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39.2% at Judson University vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Judson University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Judson University 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).

• Judson University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Judson University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Judson University graduates have a $1,950 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($23,000 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Judson University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($237 vs. $257).
• More Judson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.