NKU vs. MCNWO|MCL|Mercy College

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than MCNWO|MCL|Mercy College based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,096 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Mercy College of Ohio is in Toledo, OH (Large City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercy College of Ohio is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Mercy College of Ohio 5:1.

NKU vs. MCNWO|MCL|Mercy College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or MCNWO|MCL|Mercy 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 MCNWO|MCL|Mercy College ($9,211 vs. $15,311).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercy College of Ohio are 24.9% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($9,548 vs. $12,712).
• Mercy College of Ohio is 75.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $8,382 more per year; $19,470.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.5% higher at NKU than at Mercy College of Ohio (about $2,442 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $19,470.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercy College of Ohio than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercy College of Ohio students is 7.5% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($11,104 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. MCNWO|MCL|Mercy College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or MCNWO|MCL|Mercy 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 MCNWO|MCL|Mercy College and NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 150 points higher than at MCNWO|MCL|Mercy College (900).
• Incoming NKU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at MCNWO|MCL|Mercy College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Mercy College of Ohio 790/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Mercy College of Ohio 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; MCNWO|MCL|Mercy College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• MCNWO|MCL|Mercy College has a higher acceptance rate (93.2%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 46.4% at MCNWO|MCL|Mercy College.

NKU vs. MCNWO|MCL|Mercy College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and MCNWO|MCL|Mercy 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).

• Northern Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Mercy College of Ohio's (20%).
• Graduates from Mercy College of Ohio earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,500 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercy College of Ohio graduates have a $4,950 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($20,000 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, MCNWO|MCL|Mercy College graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($206 vs. $257).
• More MCNWO|MCL|Mercy College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.