NKU vs. OC Comets

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than OC Comets based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 979 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); The University of Olivet is in Olivet, MI (Distant Rural setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Olivet is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; The University of Olivet 17:1.

NKU vs. OC Comets Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or OC Comets? 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 OC Comets ($9,211 vs. $19,362).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Olivet are 1.1% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,567 vs. $12,712).
• The University of Olivet is 207.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $22,980 more per year; $34,068.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.5% higher at OC Comets than at Northern Kentucky University (about $12,156 more per year; $34,068.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of Olivet than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Olivet students is 169.6% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($27,858 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. OC Comets Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 30 points higher than at OC Comets (1020).
• Incoming NKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at OC Comets).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; The University of Olivet 910/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; The University of Olivet 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; OC Comets - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• OC Comets has a higher acceptance rate (83.2%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 20.4% at OC Comets.

NKU vs. OC Comets Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and OC Comets? 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).

• The University of Olivet's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $400 more per year than OC Comets graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $39,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $2,050 lower median loan debt than OC Comets graduates ($24,950 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OC Comets graduates ($257 vs. $279).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OC Comets students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.