NKU vs. Pfeiffer University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Pfeiffer University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 889 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Pfeiffer University is in Misenheimer, NC (Distant Rural setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Pfeiffer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Pfeiffer University 11:1.

NKU vs. Pfeiffer University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer University ($9,211 vs. $19,660).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 1.1% lower than at Pfeiffer University ($12,712 vs. $12,850).
• Pfeiffer University is 216.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $23,982 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60% higher at Pfeiffer University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $13,158 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pfeiffer University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pfeiffer University students is 151.2% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($25,951 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Pfeiffer University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Pfeiffer University (1030).
• Incoming NKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Pfeiffer University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Pfeiffer University 891/1165.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Pfeiffer University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Pfeiffer University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Pfeiffer University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Pfeiffer University (3.18).
• Pfeiffer University has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 13.7% at Pfeiffer University.

NKU vs. Pfeiffer University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Pfeiffer 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).

• Pfeiffer University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Pfeiffer University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,100 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have a $2,551 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($22,399 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($231 vs. $257).
• More Pfeiffer University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.