NKU vs. Ferris State University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Ferris State University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 9,959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Ferris State University is in Big Rapids, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferris State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Ferris State University 15:1.

NKU vs. Ferris State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Ferris State 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 Ferris State University ($9,211 vs. $10,825).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 9.8% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,462 vs. $12,712).
• Ferris State University is 33.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $3,690 more per year; $14,778.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.3% higher at NKU than at Ferris State University (about $7,134 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferris State University than at Northern Kentucky University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferris State University students is 56% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($16,117 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Ferris State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming Ferris State 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; Ferris State University 890/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Ferris State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Ferris State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Ferris State University (3.3).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 14.7% at Ferris State University.

NKU vs. Ferris State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Ferris State 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).

• Ferris State University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $771 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($24,179 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($250 vs. $257).
• More Ferris State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.