NKU vs. Freed-Hardeman University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with Freed Hardeman University in Henderson, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Freed-Hardeman University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 2,306 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Freed Hardeman University is in Henderson, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Freed Hardeman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Freed Hardeman University 10:1.

NKU vs. Freed-Hardeman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Freed-Hardeman 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 Freed-Hardeman University ($9,211 vs. $20,178).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Freed Hardeman University are 31.2% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($8,740 vs. $12,712).
• Freed Hardeman University is 131.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $14,532 more per year; $25,620.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.9% higher at Freed-Hardeman University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $3,708 more per year; $25,620.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Freed Hardeman University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Freed Hardeman University students is 74.9% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($18,074 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Freed-Hardeman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or Freed-Hardeman 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 Freed-Hardeman University and NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 30 points higher than at Freed-Hardeman University (1020).
• Incoming Freed-Hardeman 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; Freed Hardeman University 952/1087.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Freed Hardeman University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Freed-Hardeman University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Freed-Hardeman University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at NKU (3.42).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than Freed-Hardeman University (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 36.4% at Freed-Hardeman University.

NKU vs. Freed-Hardeman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Freed-Hardeman 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).

• Freed Hardeman University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Freed Hardeman University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,700 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $1,050 lower median loan debt than Freed-Hardeman University graduates ($24,950 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Freed-Hardeman University graduates ($257 vs. $268).
• More Freed-Hardeman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.