Manchester University vs. NKU

Should I go to Manchester University or Northern Kentucky University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Manchester University or NKU is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

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Manchester University vs. Northern Kentucky University comparison
Manchester University Northern Kentucky University College 3 College 4
Manchester University Northern Kentucky University
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Overview

Manchester University NKU
Location North Manchester, IN Highland Heights, KY
Setting Distant Town Large Suburban
Enrollment 1,175 14,961
Type Private 4 Year Public 4 Year
National Ranking #912
Religious Affiliation Church of Brethren - - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website manchester.edu nku.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Manchester University NKU
Tuition (In State) $35,800 $10,512
Tuition (Out of State) $35,800 $21,096
Room & Board $11,154 $11,660
Avg Net Price $19,367 $8,151
Avg Grant Aid $28,959 $11,492
% Receiving Grant Aid 100% 98%

Admission

Manchester University NKU
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 2,470 6,417
Admitted 2,255 6,162
Acceptance Rate 91.3% 96%
Enrolled % 12.8% 21%
Avg High School GPA 3.41 3.42
Typical High School Grades B+ B+
Admissions Standards Unavailable Very Easy
Applicant Competition
ACT Range 19/25
SAT Range 916/1133
Submit Test Scores Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind) Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Aug 15, 2026

Academics

Manchester University NKU
Student to Faculty Ratio 13:1 18:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (28%)
  • Education (22%)
  • Health Professions (12%)
  • Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies (11%)
  • Social Sciences (6%)
  • Business (26%)
  • Health Professions (11%)
  • Education (9%)
  • Visual and Performing Arts (7%)
  • Social Sciences (6%)

Outcomes

Manchester University NKU
Graduation Rate 51% 37%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $42,100 $39,700
Making Student Loan Payments 70% 53%
Median Student Loan Debt $27,000 $24,950
Median Loan Payment $279 $257

Diversity

Manchester University NKU
% Men 7% 10%
% Women 15% 24%
Racial Diversity Very Low Very Low
HBCU No No
% White 80% 82%
% Black 6% 7%
% Hispanic 6% 3%
% Native American 0% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 3% 2%
% International 3% 3%
% Unknown Race 0% 1%

Students

Manchester University NKU
% In-State 86% 71%
% Out-of-State 14% 28%

Campus

Manchester University NKU
Campus Housing Yes Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No No
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes No Yes
Daycare Facility No Yes
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Northern Kentucky University is larger than than Manchester University based on total student enrollment (14,961 students vs. 1,175 students)

Manchester University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Manchester University or NKU?

  • Manchester University is 240.6% more expensive to attend than NKU for in-state tuition ($35,800.00 vs. $10,512.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 69.7% higher at Manchester University than Northern Kentucky University ($35,800.00 vs. $21,096.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Northern Kentucky University than Manchester University ($8,151 vs. $19,367)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Manchester University are 4.5% lower than costs at Northern Kentucky University ($11,154 vs. $11,660)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Manchester University than Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Manchester University students is 152% larger than aid received Northern Kentucky University ($28,959 vs. $11,492)

Manchester University vs. NKU Admissions Difficulty Comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Manchester University or NKU? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between NKU or Manchester University .

  • The average SAT score at Northern Kentucky University (1068) is 55 points higher than at Manchester University (1013)
  • Incoming Manchester University students have at the same average ACT score (23) as students at NKU (23)
  • Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Manchester University (3.41)
  • NKU has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than Manchester University (91.3%)

Manchester University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Manchester University or NKU? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between NKU and Manchester University.

  • The graduation rate at Manchester University is higher than Northern Kentucky University (51% vs. 37%)
  • Graduates from Manchester University earn on average $2,400 more per year than NKU graduates after ten years. ($42,100 vs. $39,700)
  • Northern Kentucky University students graduate with a $2,050 lower median federal student loan debt than Manchester University graduates. ($24,950 vs. $27,000)
  • NKU graduates are paying $22 less per month on federal student loans than Manchester University graduates. ($257 vs. $279)
  • More Manchester University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 53%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/