NKU vs. Adrian College

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with Adrian College in Adrian, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Adrian College based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,765 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Adrian College is in Adrian, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Adrian College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Adrian College 16:1.

NKU vs. Adrian College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Adrian College? 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 Adrian College ($9,211 vs. $25,922).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 37.3% lower than at Adrian College ($12,712 vs. $20,260).
• Adrian College is 275.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $30,596 more per year; $41,684.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 90.2% higher at Adrian College than at Northern Kentucky University (about $19,772 more per year; $41,684.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Adrian College than at Northern Kentucky University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Adrian College students is 190% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($29,966 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Adrian College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or Adrian College? 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 Adrian College and NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Adrian College (1010).
• Incoming Adrian College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Adrian College 873/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Adrian College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Adrian College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Adrian College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Adrian College (3.2).
• Adrian College has a higher acceptance rate (72.5%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 26.3% at Adrian College.

NKU vs. Adrian College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Adrian College? 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).

• Adrian College's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Adrian College earn a median of about $200 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,900 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 Adrian College graduates ($24,950 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Adrian College graduates ($257 vs. $279).
• More Adrian College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.