NKU vs. Johnson University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Johnson University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 978 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

NKU vs. Johnson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Johnson 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 Johnson University ($9,211 vs. $22,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson University are 22.1% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($9,900 vs. $12,712).
• Johnson University is 90.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $10,034 more per year; $21,122.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.7% higher at NKU than at Johnson University (about $790 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $21,122.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson University than at Northern Kentucky University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson University students is 12.6% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($11,630 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Johnson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 10 points higher than at Johnson University (1040).
• Incoming NKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Johnson University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Johnson University 960/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Johnson University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Johnson University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Johnson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Johnson University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at NKU (3.42).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than Johnson University (65.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 32.3% at Johnson University.

NKU vs. Johnson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Johnson 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).

• Johnson University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Johnson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $31,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Johnson University graduates have a $3,570 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($21,380 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Johnson University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($221 vs. $257).
• More Johnson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.