NKU vs. MBC

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than MBC based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Mary Baldwin University is in Staunton, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mary Baldwin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Mary Baldwin University 15:1.

NKU vs. MBC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or MBC? 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 MBC ($9,211 vs. $17,810).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mary Baldwin University are 10.2% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,411 vs. $12,712).
• Mary Baldwin University is 208% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $23,064 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.9% higher at MBC than at Northern Kentucky University (about $12,240 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mary Baldwin University than at Northern Kentucky University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mary Baldwin University students is 172.3% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($28,135 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. MBC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 20 points higher than at MBC (1030).
• Incoming NKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at MBC (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Mary Baldwin University 940/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Mary Baldwin University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; MBC - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MBC students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at NKU (3.42).

NKU vs. MBC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and MBC? 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).

• Mary Baldwin 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 $1,300 more per year than MBC graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $2,050 lower median loan debt than MBC graduates ($24,950 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MBC graduates ($257 vs. $279).
• More MBC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.