NKU vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Marshall University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 11,958 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Marshall University 16:1.

NKU vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Marshall 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 Marshall University than NKU ($8,076 vs. $9,211).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 4.4% lower than at Marshall University ($12,712 vs. $13,292).
• Northern Kentucky University is 21% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $1,926 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.7% higher at NKU than at Marshall University (about $1,570 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $20,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Marshall University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 30.2% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($13,448 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Marshall University (1030).
• Incoming NKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Marshall University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

NKU vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Marshall 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).

• Marshall University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $500 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marshall University graduates have a $1,816 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($23,134 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Marshall University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($239 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 43%)

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.