NKU vs. Madonna University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Madonna University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 2,124 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Madonna University is in Livonia, MI (Small City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Madonna University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Madonna University 11:1.

NKU vs. Madonna University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Madonna 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 Madonna University ($9,211 vs. $18,373).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 1% lower than at Madonna University ($12,712 vs. $12,840).
• Madonna University is 156.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $17,352 more per year; $28,440.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.8% higher at Madonna University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $6,528 more per year; $28,440.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University as at Madonna University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Madonna University students is 117.5% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($22,471 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Madonna University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 70 points higher than at Madonna University (980).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Madonna University 880/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Madonna University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Madonna University (3.35).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than Madonna University (63.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 25.2% at Madonna University.

NKU vs. Madonna University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Madonna 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).

• Madonna University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Madonna University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,400 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $50 lower median loan debt than Madonna University graduates ($24,950 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Madonna University graduates ($257 vs. $258).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Madonna University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 48%)

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.