NKU vs. Bethany College

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Bethany College based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Bethany College is in Bethany, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Bethany College 12:1.

NKU vs. Bethany College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Bethany 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 Bethany College ($9,211 vs. $19,035).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 3.8% lower than at Bethany College ($12,712 vs. $13,210).
• Bethany College is 231.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $25,677 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.8% higher at Bethany College than at Northern Kentucky University (about $14,853 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany College than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany College students is 206.3% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($31,646 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Bethany College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 60 points higher than at Bethany College (990).
• Incoming Bethany 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; Bethany College 870/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Bethany College 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Bethany College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.57 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Bethany College (2.85).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than Bethany College (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 27.3% at Bethany College.

NKU vs. Bethany College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Bethany 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).

• Bethany College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Bethany College earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $5,934 lower median loan debt than Bethany College graduates ($24,950 vs. $30,884).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethany College graduates ($257 vs. $319).
• More Bethany College 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.