NKU vs. Purdue Northwest

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with Purdue University Northwest in Hammond, Indiana on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Purdue Northwest based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 9,051 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Purdue University Northwest is in Hammond, Indiana (Large Suburban setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Purdue University Northwest is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Purdue University Northwest 17:1.

NKU vs. Purdue Northwest Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Purdue Northwest? 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 Purdue University Northwest than NKU ($7,916 vs. $9,211).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Purdue University Northwest are 29.9% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($8,907 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 27.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purdue Northwest (about $2,413 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $8,675.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.2% higher at NKU than at Purdue University Northwest (about $5,818 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $16,094.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Purdue University Northwest (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 47.8% larger than aid received by Purdue University Northwest students ($10,332 vs. $6,992).

NKU vs. Purdue Northwest Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 30 points higher than at Purdue Northwest (1020).
• Incoming NKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Purdue Northwest).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Purdue University Northwest 890/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Purdue University Northwest 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Purdue Northwest - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Purdue Northwest Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Purdue Northwest (3.19).
• Purdue Northwest has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 18.3% at Purdue Northwest.

NKU vs. Purdue Northwest Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Purdue Northwest? 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).

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.