NKU vs. Saginaw Valley State University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Saginaw Valley State University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 6,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Saginaw Valley State University is in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Saginaw Valley State University 16:1.

NKU vs. Saginaw Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University ($9,211 vs. $11,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saginaw Valley State University are 2.9% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,340 vs. $12,712).
• Saginaw Valley State University is 16.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $1,842 more per year; $12,930.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39% higher at Saginaw Valley State University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $8,538 more per year; $30,450.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University as at Saginaw Valley State University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students is 30.8% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($13,512 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Saginaw Valley State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University and NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is the same as at Saginaw Valley State University (1050).
• Incoming Saginaw Valley State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Saginaw Valley State University 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Saginaw Valley State University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Saginaw Valley State University has a higher acceptance rate (72.1%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 16% at Saginaw Valley State University.

NKU vs. Saginaw Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Saginaw Valley State 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).

• Saginaw Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Saginaw Valley State University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,000 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $2,050 lower median loan debt than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($24,950 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($257 vs. $279).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saginaw Valley State University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 48%)

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.