McKendree University vs. NKU

Should I go to McKendree University or Northern Kentucky University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if McKendree 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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McKendree University vs. Northern Kentucky University comparison
McKendree University Northern Kentucky University College 3 College 4
McKendree University Northern Kentucky University
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Overview

McKendree University NKU
Location Lebanon, IL Highland Heights, KY
Setting Large Suburban Large Suburban
Enrollment 1,960 15,801
Type Private 4 Year Public 4 Year
National Ranking #607 #805
Religious Affiliation United Methodist - - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website mckendree.edu nku.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

McKendree University NKU
Tuition (In State) $32,020 $10,208
Tuition (Out of State) $32,020 $20,464
Room & Board $11,590 $11,248
Avg Net Price $22,431 $7,259
Avg Grant Aid $24,145 $11,275
% Receiving Grant Aid 100% 100%

Admission

McKendree University NKU
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 2,332 6,905
Admitted 1,594 5,939
Acceptance Rate 68.4% 86%
Enrolled % 26.5% 27.6%
Avg High School GPA 3.38 3.42
Typical High School Grades B+ B+
Admissions Standards Challenging Average
Applicant Competition Low
ACT Range 18/28 19/25
SAT Range 871/1277 1030/1290
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, 2025

Academics

McKendree University NKU
Student to Faculty Ratio 17:1 17:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (37%)
  • Health Professions (24%)
  • Education (13%)
  • Social Sciences (8%)
  • Psychology (4%)
  • Business (26%)
  • Health Professions (11%)
  • Education (9%)
  • Visual and Performing Arts (7%)
  • Social Sciences (6%)

Outcomes

McKendree University NKU
Graduation Rate 54% 37%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $48,300 $39,700
Making Student Loan Payments 58% 53%
Median Student Loan Debt $23,250 $24,950
Median Loan Payment $240 $257

Diversity

McKendree University NKU
% Men 46% 36%
% Women 54% 64%
Racial Diversity Medium Very Low
HBCU No No
% White 68% 82%
% Black 14% 7%
% Hispanic 5% 3%
% Native American 1% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 2% 2%
% International 2% 3%
% Unknown Race 7% 1%

Students

McKendree University NKU
% In-State 48% 66%
% Out-of-State 27% 26%

Campus

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

Comparable Facts

  • Northern Kentucky University is larger than than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (15,801 students vs. 1,960 students)

McKendree University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or NKU?

  • McKendree University is 213.7% more expensive to attend than NKU for in-state tuition ($32,020.00 vs. $10,208.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 56.5% higher at McKendree University than Northern Kentucky University ($32,020.00 vs. $20,464.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Northern Kentucky University than McKendree University ($7,259 vs. $22,431)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 3% lower than costs at McKendree University ($11,248 vs. $11,590)
  • The same percent of students receive financial grant aid at McKendree University as Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 100%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 114.1% larger than aid received Northern Kentucky University ($24,145 vs. $11,275)

McKendree University vs. NKU Admissions Difficulty Comparison

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

  • The average SAT score at Northern Kentucky University (1068) is 62 points higher than at McKendree University (1006)
  • Incoming NKU students have a 1 point higher average ACT score (23) than students at McKendree University (22)
  • Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at McKendree University (3.38)
  • NKU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than McKendree University (68.4%)

McKendree University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, McKendree 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 McKendree University.

  • The graduation rate at McKendree University is higher than Northern Kentucky University (54% vs. 37%)
  • Graduates from McKendree University earn on average $8,600 more per year than NKU graduates after ten years. ($48,300 vs. $39,700)
  • McKendree University students graduate with a $1,700 lower median federal student loan debt than NKU graduates. ($23,250 vs. $24,950)
  • McKendree University graduates are paying $17 less per month on federal student loans than NKU graduates. ($240 vs. $257)
  • More McKendree University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 53%)

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