North Central College vs. Kentucky

Comparable Facts

Compare North Central College in Naperville, IL with University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kentucky is larger than North Central College based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 3,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Central College is located in Naperville, IL (Midsize City setting); University of Kentucky is in Lexington, KY (Large City setting).
• North Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Central College 12:1; University of Kentucky 18:1.

North Central College vs. Kentucky Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Central College or Kentucky? 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 University of Kentucky than North Central College ($21,958 vs. $23,276).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Central College are 8.3% lower than at University of Kentucky ($14,688 vs. $16,016).
• North Central College is 238.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $32,224 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.9% higher at North Central College than at University of Kentucky (about $11,586 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $34,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Central College than at University of Kentucky (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central College students is 164% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($34,056 vs. $12,898).

North Central College vs. Kentucky Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Central College or Kentucky? 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 Kentucky and North Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Central College (1180) is the same as at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming North Central College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Kentucky).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 1055/1310; University of Kentucky 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 24/29; University of Kentucky 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Central College - Test optional; Kentucky - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central College Apr 15, 2027; Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Central College students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than North Central College (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at North Central College vs. 22.2% at Kentucky.

North Central College vs. Kentucky Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Central College and Kentucky? 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).

• North Central College's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than North Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than North Central College graduates ($22,750 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Central College graduates ($235 vs. $258).
• More North Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kentucky students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 62%)

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.