NKU vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 2,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

NKU vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Northwood 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 Northwood University ($9,211 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 3% lower than at Northwood University ($12,712 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 210.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $23,312 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57% higher at Northwood University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $12,488 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University as at Northwood University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 126% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($23,349 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 10 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming NKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

NKU vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Northwood 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).

• Northwood University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $3,175 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($21,775 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($225 vs. $257).
• More Northwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.