NKU vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Limestone University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,807 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Limestone University is in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Limestone University 11:1.

NKU vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Limestone 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 Limestone University ($9,211 vs. $19,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 11.8% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,210 vs. $12,712).
• Limestone University is 150.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $16,712 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.9% higher at Limestone University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $5,888 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Limestone University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 108.1% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($21,504 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Limestone University (1070) is 20 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming Limestone University 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; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have the same average high school GPA (3.42) as students at Limestone University (3.42).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

NKU vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Limestone 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).

• Limestone University's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Limestone 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 $2,300 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($24,950 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($257 vs. $281).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 36%)

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.