NKU vs. Emory & Henry University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with Emory & Henry University in Emory, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Emory & Henry University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,311 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Emory & Henry University is in Emory, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Emory & Henry University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Emory & Henry University 12:1.

NKU vs. Emory & Henry University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Emory & Henry 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 Emory & Henry University ($9,211 vs. $21,446).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 13.2% lower than at Emory & Henry University ($12,712 vs. $14,648).
• Emory & Henry University is 251.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $27,912 more per year; $39,000.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78% higher at Emory & Henry University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $17,088 more per year; $39,000.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University as at Emory & Henry University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Emory & Henry University students is 205% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($31,511 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Emory & Henry University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or Emory & Henry 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 Emory & Henry University and NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Emory & Henry University (1140) is 90 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming Emory & Henry University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Emory & Henry University 1051/1223.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Emory & Henry University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Emory & Henry University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Emory & Henry University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Emory & Henry University has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 11.9% at Emory & Henry University.

NKU vs. Emory & Henry University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Emory & Henry 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).

• Emory & Henry University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Emory & Henry University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $2,050 lower median loan debt than Emory & Henry University graduates ($24,950 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Emory & Henry University graduates ($257 vs. $279).
• More Emory & Henry University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.