NKU vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 2,669 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Carson Newman University is in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Carson Newman University 12:1.

NKU vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Carson-Newman 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 Carson-Newman University ($9,211 vs. $20,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carson Newman University are 7.2% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,800 vs. $12,712).
• Carson Newman University is 213% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $23,612 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.4% higher at Carson-Newman University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $12,788 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 171.9% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($28,090 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or Carson-Newman 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 Carson-Newman University and NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carson Newman University (1090) is 40 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming Carson-Newman University 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; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

NKU vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Carson-Newman 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).

• Carson Newman University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Carson Newman University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carson Newman University graduates have a $1,070 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($23,880 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($246 vs. $257).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.