NKU vs. Central Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Central Washington University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 10,811 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

NKU vs. Central Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Central Washington 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 Central Washington University ($9,211 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 22.9% lower than at Central Washington University ($12,712 vs. $16,480).
• Northern Kentucky University is 17.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central Washington University (about $1,671 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $9,417.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.6% higher at Central Washington University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $5,614 more per year; $27,526.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Central Washington University (98% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 17.2% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($10,332 vs. $8,816).

NKU vs. Central Washington University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 10 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming NKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Central Washington University 930/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Central Washington University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Central Washington University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Central Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 20% at Central Washington University.

NKU vs. Central Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Central Washington 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).

• Central Washington University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Central Washington University earn a median of about $8,100 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $4,213 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($20,737 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $43 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($214 vs. $257).
• More Central Washington University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.