NKU vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than NKU based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 15,347 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

NKU vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or GVSU? 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 GVSU ($9,211 vs. $17,198).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 9.1% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,550 vs. $12,712).
• Grand Valley State University is 36.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $4,052 more per year; $15,140.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.7% higher at NKU than at Grand Valley State University (about $364 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Grand Valley State University (98% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grand Valley State University students is 8.3% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($11,188 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 20 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at NKU (3.42).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

NKU vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and GVSU? 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).

• Grand Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $50 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($24,950 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($257 vs. $258).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.