NKU vs. Fairmont State

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Fairmont State based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 3,305 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Fairmont State University is in Fairmont, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Fairmont State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Fairmont State University 14:1.

NKU vs. Fairmont State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Fairmont 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 Fairmont State ($9,211 vs. $11,328).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairmont State University are 8.3% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,656 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 27.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairmont State (about $2,380 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $8,708.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.8% higher at NKU than at Fairmont State University (about $2,988 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $18,924.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Fairmont State University (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 20.8% larger than aid received by Fairmont State University students ($10,332 vs. $8,552).

NKU vs. Fairmont State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 110 points higher than at Fairmont State (940).
• Incoming NKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Fairmont State ).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Fairmont State University 810/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Fairmont State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Fairmont State - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Fairmont State (3.36).
• Fairmont State has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 33.8% at Fairmont State .

NKU vs. Fairmont State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Fairmont 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 Fairmont State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Fairmont State graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $37,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fairmont State University graduates have a $2,950 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($22,000 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Fairmont State graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($227 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairmont State students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 43%)

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.