NKU vs. Ohio University

Comparable Facts

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

Ohio University Main Campus is larger than NKU based on total student enrollment (26,323 students vs. 15,347 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Ohio University Main Campus is in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Ohio University Main Campus 18:1.

NKU vs. Ohio University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Ohio 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 Ohio University ($9,211 vs. $21,907).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 10.2% lower than at Ohio University Main Campus ($12,712 vs. $14,162).
• Ohio University Main Campus is 27.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $3,070 more per year; $14,158.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.4% higher at Ohio University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $2,926 more per year; $24,838.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Ohio University Main Campus (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 9.7% larger than aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students ($10,332 vs. $9,422).

NKU vs. Ohio University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio University Main Campus (1190) is 140 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming Ohio University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Ohio University Main Campus 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Ohio University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Ohio University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ohio University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Ohio University has a higher acceptance rate (85%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 19.2% at Ohio University.

NKU vs. Ohio University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Ohio 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).

• Ohio University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Ohio University Main Campus earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio University Main Campus graduates have a $4,450 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($20,500 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($211 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 51%)

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.