NKU vs. Cleveland State

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Cleveland State based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 14,074 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Cleveland State University is in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Cleveland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Cleveland State University 16:1.

NKU vs. Cleveland State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Cleveland State? 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 Cleveland State ($9,211 vs. $16,230).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 15.8% lower than at Cleveland State University ($12,712 vs. $15,104).
• Cleveland State University is 17.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $1,900 more per year; $12,988.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.4% higher at NKU than at Cleveland State University (about $3,402 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $18,510.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Cleveland State University (98% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 5.5% larger than aid received by Cleveland State University students ($10,332 vs. $9,795).

NKU vs. Cleveland State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or Cleveland State? 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 Cleveland State and NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Cleveland State (1010).
• Incoming NKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Cleveland State (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Cleveland State University 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Cleveland State University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Cleveland State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Cleveland State Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Cleveland State (3.31).
• Cleveland State has a higher acceptance rate (91.3%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 15.7% at Cleveland State.

NKU vs. Cleveland State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Cleveland State? 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 Cleveland State University's (30%).
• Graduates from Cleveland State University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cleveland State University graduates have a $3,450 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Cleveland State graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($222 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cleveland State 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.