NKU vs. Frostburg State University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Frostburg State University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 4,104 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Frostburg State University is in Frostburg, MD (Small Suburban setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Frostburg State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Frostburg State University 13:1.

NKU vs. Frostburg State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Frostburg 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 Frostburg State University ($9,211 vs. $17,669).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 1.7% lower than at Frostburg State University ($12,712 vs. $12,932).
• Northern Kentucky University is 8.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Frostburg State University (about $868 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $10,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.8% higher at Frostburg State University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $3,902 more per year; $25,814.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Frostburg State University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Frostburg State University students is 1.1% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($10,445 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Frostburg State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Frostburg State University (1090) is 40 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming NKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Frostburg State University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Frostburg State University 980/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Frostburg State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Frostburg State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Frostburg State University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Frostburg State University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Frostburg State University has a higher acceptance rate (89.2%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 13.4% at Frostburg State University.

NKU vs. Frostburg State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Frostburg 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).

• Frostburg State University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Frostburg State University earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,900 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Frostburg State University graduates have a $3,450 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Frostburg State University graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($222 vs. $257).
• More Frostburg State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.