NKU vs. Cleary College

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Cleary College based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,004 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Cleary University is in Howell, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Cleary University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Cleary University 18:1.

NKU vs. Cleary College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Cleary College? 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 Cleary College ($9,211 vs. $23,705).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 1.5% lower than at Cleary University ($12,712 vs. $12,900).
• Cleary University is 135.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $15,014 more per year; $26,102.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.1% higher at Cleary College than at Northern Kentucky University (about $4,190 more per year; $26,102.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cleary University than at Northern Kentucky University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cleary University students is 56.3% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($16,150 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Cleary College Admissions comparison

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

• Cleary University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cleary University (1060) is 10 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming NKU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Cleary College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Cleary University 950/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Cleary University 18/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Cleary College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Cleary College Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Cleary College (3.17).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than Cleary College (67.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 28.7% at Cleary College.

NKU vs. Cleary College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Cleary College? 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).

• Cleary University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Cleary University earn a median of about $15,200 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,900 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $5,277 lower median loan debt than Cleary College graduates ($24,950 vs. $30,227).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cleary College graduates ($257 vs. $312).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cleary College students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 47%)

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.