NKU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with Johnson & Wales University Charlotte in Charlotte, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,184 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 14:1.

NKU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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 Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte ($9,211 vs. $28,084).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 14.1% lower than at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte ($12,712 vs. $14,800).
• Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is 282.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $31,331 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 93.6% higher at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte than at Northern Kentucky University (about $20,507 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson & Wales University Charlotte students is 190.7% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($30,033 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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 Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte and NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte (1010).
• Incoming NKU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte has a higher acceptance rate (79.9%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 13.7% at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte.

NKU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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).

• Johnson & Wales University Charlotte's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Johnson & Wales University Charlotte earn a median of about $400 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,100 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $1,950 lower median loan debt than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates ($24,950 vs. $26,900).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates ($257 vs. $278).
• More Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.