NKU vs. Middle Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Middle Tennessee State University is larger than NKU based on total student enrollment (20,488 students vs. 15,347 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Middle Tennessee State University is in Murfreesboro, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Middle Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Middle Tennessee State University 17:1.

NKU vs. Middle Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Middle Tennessee State 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 Middle Tennessee State University ($9,211 vs. $13,859).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Middle Tennessee State University are 3.7% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,242 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Middle Tennessee State University (about $822 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $10,266.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.1% higher at Middle Tennessee State University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $9,662 more per year; $31,574.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Middle Tennessee State University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Middle Tennessee State University students is 3.2% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($10,665 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Middle Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or Middle Tennessee State 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 Middle Tennessee State University and NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Middle Tennessee State University (1120) is 70 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming Middle Tennessee State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Middle Tennessee State University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Middle Tennessee State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Middle Tennessee State University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Middle Tennessee State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Middle Tennessee State University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Middle Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (69.1%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 30.4% at Middle Tennessee State University.

NKU vs. Middle Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Middle Tennessee State 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).

• Middle Tennessee State University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Middle Tennessee State University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have a $3,192 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($21,758 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($224 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Middle Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 50%)

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.