NKU vs. Albion College

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Albion College based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,308 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Albion College is in Albion, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Albion College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Albion College 11:1.

NKU vs. Albion College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Albion 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 Albion College ($9,211 vs. $16,719).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 0.9% lower than at Albion College ($12,712 vs. $12,830).
• Albion College is 413.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $45,862 more per year; $56,950.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 159.9% higher at Albion College than at Northern Kentucky University (about $35,038 more per year; $56,950.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Albion College than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Albion College students is 415.9% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($53,298 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Albion College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is the same as at Albion College (1050).
• Incoming Albion College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Albion College 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Albion College 19/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Albion College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Albion College students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Albion College has a higher acceptance rate (80.7%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 6.9% at Albion College.

NKU vs. Albion College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Albion 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).

• Albion College's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Albion College earn a median of about $15,900 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,600 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Albion College graduates ($24,950 vs. $27,200).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Albion College graduates ($257 vs. $281).
• More Albion College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.