NKU vs. Austin Peay State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Austin Peay State University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 10,439 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Austin Peay State University is in Clarksville, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Austin Peay State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Austin Peay State University 14:1.

NKU vs. Austin Peay State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Austin Peay State University? 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 Austin Peay State University ($9,211 vs. $9,882).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 5.3% lower than at Austin Peay State University ($12,712 vs. $13,430).
• Northern Kentucky University is 23.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Austin Peay State University (about $2,082 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $9,006.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.4% higher at NKU than at Austin Peay State University (about $7,146 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $14,766.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Austin Peay State University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Austin Peay State University students is 9.3% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($11,290 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Austin Peay State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or Austin Peay State University? 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 Austin Peay State University and NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 70 points higher than at Austin Peay State University (980).
• Incoming NKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Austin Peay State University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Austin Peay State University 843/1126.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Austin Peay State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Austin Peay State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Austin Peay State University Aug 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Austin Peay State University (3.3).
• Austin Peay State University has a higher acceptance rate (96.4%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 27.5% at Austin Peay State University.

NKU vs. Austin Peay State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Austin Peay State University? 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 Austin Peay State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than Austin Peay State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Austin Peay State University graduates have a $2,450 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Austin Peay State University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($232 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Austin Peay State University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 44%)

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.