Northeastern Illinois University vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, 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 Northeastern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 5,734 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois 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 Northeastern Illinois University ($9,211 vs. $14,140).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 18.3% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($10,390 vs. $12,712).
• Northeastern Illinois University is 11.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $1,295 more per year; $12,383.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.7% higher at Northeastern Illinois University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $814 more per year; $22,726.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Northeastern Illinois University (98% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students is 24.6% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($12,876 vs. $10,332).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern Illinois 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 Northeastern Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 140 points higher than at Northeastern Illinois University (910).
• Incoming NKU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Northeastern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 810/1010; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 15/21; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027; NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• Northeastern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (74.6%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern Illinois 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).

• Northern Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from Northeastern Illinois University earn a median of about $300 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $10,450 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($14,500 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $108 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($149 vs. $257).
• More Northeastern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.