NKU vs. Lincoln Memorial University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Lincoln Memorial University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 6,081 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Lincoln Memorial University is in Harrogate, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lincoln Memorial University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Lincoln Memorial University 10:1.

NKU vs. Lincoln Memorial University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Lincoln Memorial 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 Lincoln Memorial University ($9,211 vs. $21,447).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lincoln Memorial University are 3.8% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,226 vs. $12,712).
• Lincoln Memorial University is 142.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $15,850 more per year; $26,938.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.9% higher at Lincoln Memorial University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $5,026 more per year; $26,938.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lincoln Memorial University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lincoln Memorial University students is 94.4% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($20,081 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Lincoln Memorial University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lincoln Memorial University (1110) is 60 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming NKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Lincoln Memorial University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Lincoln Memorial University 1000/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Lincoln Memorial University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Lincoln Memorial University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Lincoln Memorial University (3.29).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than Lincoln Memorial University (62.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 15.8% at Lincoln Memorial University.

NKU vs. Lincoln Memorial University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Lincoln Memorial 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).

• Lincoln Memorial University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Lincoln Memorial University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $38,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lincoln Memorial University graduates have a $7,930 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($17,020 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Lincoln Memorial University graduates have an estimated $82 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($175 vs. $257).
• More Lincoln Memorial University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.