NKU vs. Rochester University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Rochester University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,193 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

NKU vs. Rochester University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Rochester 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 Rochester University ($9,211 vs. $21,611).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester University are 17.5% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($10,486 vs. $12,712).
• Rochester University is 163.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $18,108 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.2% higher at Rochester University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $7,284 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rochester University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rochester University students is 90.4% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($19,674 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Rochester University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 100 points higher than at Rochester University (950).
• Incoming NKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Rochester University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Rochester University 840/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Rochester University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Rochester University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Rochester University (3.13).
• Rochester University has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 22.2% at Rochester University.

NKU vs. Rochester University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Rochester 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).

• Rochester University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Rochester University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rochester University graduates have a $547 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($24,403 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Rochester University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($252 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rochester University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 45%)

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.