NKU vs. Ferrum College

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Ferrum College is in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Ferrum College 11:1.

NKU vs. Ferrum College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Ferrum 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 Ferrum College ($9,211 vs. $20,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 3.9% lower than at Ferrum College ($12,712 vs. $13,230).
• Ferrum College is 157.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $17,432 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.2% higher at Ferrum College than at Northern Kentucky University (about $6,608 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University as at Ferrum College (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 233.4% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($34,444 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Ferrum College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 60 points higher than at Ferrum College (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Ferrum College 880/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Ferrum College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• Ferrum College has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 11.5% at Ferrum College.

NKU vs. Ferrum College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Ferrum 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).

• Northern Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Ferrum College's (31%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $700 more per year than Ferrum College graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $3,050 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($24,950 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($257 vs. $289).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferrum College students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 49%)

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.