NKU vs. Ashland College

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Ashland College based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 4,106 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Ashland University is in Ashland, OH (Town Fringe setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ashland University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Ashland University 14:1.

NKU vs. Ashland College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Ashland 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 Ashland College ($9,211 vs. $22,610).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 6.3% lower than at Ashland University ($12,712 vs. $13,568).
• Ashland University is 181.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $20,122 more per year; $31,210.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.4% higher at Ashland College than at Northern Kentucky University (about $9,298 more per year; $31,210.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ashland University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ashland University students is 101.7% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($20,835 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Ashland College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ashland University (1120) is 70 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming Ashland College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Ashland University 1035/1208.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Ashland University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Ashland College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ashland College students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Ashland College has a higher acceptance rate (76.4%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 15.9% at Ashland College.

NKU vs. Ashland College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Ashland 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).

• Ashland University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Ashland University earn a median of about $700 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $1,300 lower median loan debt than Ashland College graduates ($24,950 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ashland College graduates ($257 vs. $271).
• More Ashland College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.