NKU vs. Kent State

Comparable Facts

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

Kent State University at Kent is larger than NKU based on total student enrollment (26,374 students vs. 15,347 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Kent State University at Kent is in Kent, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kent State University at Kent is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Kent State University at Kent 20:1.

NKU vs. Kent State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Kent State? 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 Kent State ($9,211 vs. $21,278).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 7.8% lower than at Kent State University at Kent ($12,712 vs. $13,794).
• Kent State University at Kent is 19.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $2,144 more per year; $13,232.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.3% higher at Kent State than at Northern Kentucky University (about $1,170 more per year; $23,082.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Kent State University at Kent (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 2.5% larger than aid received by Kent State University at Kent students ($10,332 vs. $10,076).

NKU vs. Kent State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kent State University at Kent (1130) is 80 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming NKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Kent State (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Kent State University at Kent 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Kent State University at Kent 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Kent State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Kent State Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kent State students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Kent State has a higher acceptance rate (86.3%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 20.3% at Kent State.

NKU vs. Kent State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Kent State? 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).

• Kent State University at Kent's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Kent State University at Kent earn a median of about $600 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $875 lower median loan debt than Kent State graduates ($24,950 vs. $25,825).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kent State graduates ($257 vs. $267).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kent State students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 46%)

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.