NKU vs. Capital University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Capital University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 2,263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Capital University is in Columbus, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Capital University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Capital University 9:1.

NKU vs. Capital University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Capital 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 Capital University ($9,211 vs. $22,395).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 2.1% lower than at Capital University ($12,712 vs. $12,984).
• Capital University is 289.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $32,146 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 97.3% higher at Capital University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $21,322 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Capital University than at Northern Kentucky University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Capital University students is 233.6% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($34,471 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Capital University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is the same as at Capital University (1050).
• Incoming NKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Capital University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Capital University 910/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Capital University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Capital University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Capital University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Capital University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Capital University has a higher acceptance rate (70.2%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 11.8% at Capital University.

NKU vs. Capital University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Capital 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).

• Capital University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Capital University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,300 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $2,050 lower median loan debt than Capital University graduates ($24,950 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Capital University graduates ($257 vs. $279).
• More Capital University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.