NKU vs. Marietta College

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Marietta College based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,109 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Marietta College is in Marietta, OH (Small City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marietta College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Marietta College 10:1.

NKU vs. Marietta College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Marietta College? 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 Marietta College ($9,211 vs. $22,007).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 4.4% lower than at Marietta College ($12,712 vs. $13,296).
• Marietta College is 257.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $28,564 more per year; $39,652.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81% higher at Marietta College than at Northern Kentucky University (about $17,740 more per year; $39,652.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marietta College than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marietta College students is 205.4% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($31,554 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Marietta College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or Marietta College? 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 Marietta College and NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marietta College (1120) is 70 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming NKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Marietta College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Marietta College 1040/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Marietta College 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Marietta College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marietta College students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Marietta College has a higher acceptance rate (79.3%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 13.4% at Marietta College.

NKU vs. Marietta College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Marietta College? 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).

• Marietta College's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Marietta College earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,900 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $2,050 lower median loan debt than Marietta College graduates ($24,950 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marietta College graduates ($257 vs. $279).
• More Marietta College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.