NKU vs. GWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than GWU based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 3,104 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Gardner Webb University is in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Gardner Webb University 12:1.

NKU vs. GWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or GWU? 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 GWU ($9,211 vs. $20,016).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 10.2% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,410 vs. $12,712).
• Gardner Webb University is 213.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $23,672 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.6% higher at GWU than at Northern Kentucky University (about $12,848 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 162.2% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($27,088 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. GWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or GWU? 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 GWU and NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gardner Webb University (1090) is 40 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming GWU 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; Gardner Webb University 975/1198.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Gardner Webb University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; GWU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at NKU (3.42).
• GWU has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 11.2% at GWU.

NKU vs. GWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and GWU? 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).

• Gardner Webb University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Gardner Webb University earn a median of about $800 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $19 lower median loan debt than GWU graduates ($24,950 vs. $24,969).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GWU graduates ($257 vs. $258).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 52%)

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.