Milikin vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Millikin University in Decatur, 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 Milikin based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,586 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Milikin vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Milikin 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 Milikin ($9,211 vs. $22,813).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 7.2% lower than at Millikin University ($12,712 vs. $13,695).
• Millikin University is 142.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $15,804 more per year; $26,892.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.7% higher at Milikin than at Northern Kentucky University (about $4,980 more per year; $26,892.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Millikin University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Millikin University students is 236.2% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($34,733 vs. $10,332).

Milikin vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Milikin 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 Milikin.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 50 points higher than at Milikin (1000).
• Incoming Milikin students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at NKU (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Millikin University 860/1130; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Millikin University 18/25; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Milikin - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Milikin (3.4).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than Milikin (66.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10% at Milikin vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Milikin vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Milikin 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).

• Millikin University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Millikin University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,100 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $2,050 lower median loan debt than Milikin graduates ($24,950 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Milikin graduates ($257 vs. $279).
• More Milikin graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.