NKU vs. ONU

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than ONU based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 3,140 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Ohio Northern University is in Ada, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio Northern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Ohio Northern University 13:1.

NKU vs. ONU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or ONU? 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 ONU ($9,211 vs. $25,941).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 13% lower than at Ohio Northern University ($12,712 vs. $14,604).
• Ohio Northern University is 258.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $28,712 more per year; $39,800.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.6% higher at ONU than at Northern Kentucky University (about $17,888 more per year; $39,800.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Ohio Northern University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ohio Northern University students is 168.1% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($27,696 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. ONU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio Northern University (1290) is 240 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming ONU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Ohio Northern University 1175/1400.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Ohio Northern University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; ONU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; ONU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ONU students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.78) than students at NKU (3.42).
• ONU has a higher acceptance rate (74.4%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 19.9% at ONU.

NKU vs. ONU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and ONU? 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).

• Ohio Northern University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Ohio Northern University earn a median of about $31,500 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,200 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 ONU graduates ($24,950 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ONU graduates ($257 vs. $279).
• More ONU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.