NKU vs. Eastern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Eastern Michigan University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 12,631 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Eastern Michigan University is in Ypsilanti, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Eastern Michigan University 14:1.

NKU vs. Eastern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University ($9,211 vs. $15,742).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 6.9% lower than at Eastern Michigan University ($12,712 vs. $13,652).
• Eastern Michigan University is 46.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $5,152 more per year; $16,240.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.9% higher at NKU than at Eastern Michigan University (about $5,672 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $16,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Eastern Michigan University (98% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Michigan University students is 29.4% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($13,370 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Eastern Michigan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is the same as at Eastern Michigan University (1050).
• Incoming Eastern Michigan 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; Eastern Michigan University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Eastern Michigan University 18/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Eastern Michigan University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Eastern Michigan University (3.37).
• Eastern Michigan University has a higher acceptance rate (79.6%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 9.7% at Eastern Michigan University.

NKU vs. Eastern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Eastern Michigan 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).

• Eastern Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Eastern Michigan University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,600 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $550 lower median loan debt than Eastern Michigan University graduates ($24,950 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eastern Michigan University graduates ($257 vs. $263).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern Michigan University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 45%)

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.