NKU vs. Erskine College

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with Erskine College in Due West, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Erskine College based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 912 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Erskine College is in Due West, SC (Distant Rural setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Erskine College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Erskine College 15:1.

NKU vs. Erskine College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Erskine 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 Erskine College ($9,211 vs. $23,882).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 4.1% lower than at Erskine College ($12,712 vs. $13,250).
• Erskine College is 231.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $25,622 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.5% higher at Erskine College than at Northern Kentucky University (about $14,798 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Erskine College than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Erskine College students is 201.7% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($31,174 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Erskine College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 10 points higher than at Erskine College (1040).
• Incoming NKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Erskine College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Erskine College 920/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Erskine College 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Erskine College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Erskine College (3.26).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than Erskine College (62.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 22.2% at Erskine College.

NKU vs. Erskine College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Erskine 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).

• Erskine College's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Erskine College earn a median of about $600 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $1,800 lower median loan debt than Erskine College graduates ($24,950 vs. $26,750).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Erskine College graduates ($257 vs. $276).
• More Erskine College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.