NKU vs. Muskingum

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Muskingum based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,751 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Muskingum University is in New Concord, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Muskingum University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Muskingum University 14:1.

NKU vs. Muskingum Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Muskingum? 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 Muskingum ($9,211 vs. $19,695).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 2.9% lower than at Muskingum University ($12,712 vs. $13,088).
• Muskingum University is 194.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $21,577 more per year; $32,665.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.1% higher at Muskingum than at Northern Kentucky University (about $10,753 more per year; $32,665.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muskingum University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Muskingum University students is 141.5% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($24,955 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Muskingum Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Muskingum (1010).
• Incoming NKU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Muskingum).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Muskingum University 910/1105.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Muskingum University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Muskingum - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have the same average high school GPA (3.42) as students at Muskingum (3.42).
• Muskingum has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 17.1% at Muskingum.

NKU vs. Muskingum Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Muskingum? 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).

• Muskingum University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Muskingum University earn a median of about $400 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,100 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 Muskingum graduates ($24,950 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muskingum graduates ($257 vs. $279).
• More Muskingum graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.