NKU vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 2,936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Bethel University 15:1.

NKU vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Bethel? 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 Bethel ($9,211 vs. $13,112).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 17.1% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($10,538 vs. $12,712).
• Bethel University is 68.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $7,624 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.1% higher at NKU than at Bethel University (about $3,200 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University as at Bethel University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 71.3% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($17,700 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 70 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming NKU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at NKU (3.42).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

NKU vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Bethel? 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 Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $3,300 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($24,950 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($257 vs. $292).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 33%)

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.