NKU vs. Lourdes University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Lourdes University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 964 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

NKU vs. Lourdes University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Lourdes 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 Lourdes University ($9,211 vs. $21,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lourdes University are 2% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,460 vs. $12,712).
• Lourdes University is 166.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $18,412 more per year; $29,500.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.6% higher at Lourdes University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $7,588 more per year; $29,500.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lourdes University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lourdes University students is 133.7% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($24,149 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Lourdes University Admissions comparison

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

• Lourdes University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 80 points higher than at Lourdes University (970).
• Incoming NKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Lourdes University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Lourdes University 850/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Lourdes University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Lourdes University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Lourdes University (3.26).
• Lourdes University has a higher acceptance rate (74.1%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 21% at Lourdes University.

NKU vs. Lourdes University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Lourdes 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).

• Northern Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Lourdes University's (28%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $100 more per year than Lourdes University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $39,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $5,300 lower median loan debt than Lourdes University graduates ($24,950 vs. $30,250).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lourdes University graduates ($257 vs. $312).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lourdes University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 33%)

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.