NKU vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

NKU vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Bluefield 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 Bluefield State University ($9,211 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 9.4% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,512 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 4.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $440 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.2% higher at NKU than at Bluefield State University (about $3,536 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Bluefield State University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 5.3% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($10,332 vs. $9,814).

NKU vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or Bluefield 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 Bluefield State University and NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 70 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming NKU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Bluefield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Bluefield State University (3.41).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

NKU vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Bluefield 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 Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $5,950 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($19,000 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $61 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($196 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 30%)

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.