NKU vs. Salem International University

Should I go to Northern Kentucky University or Salem International University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if NKU or Salem International University is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

Add a college to compare up to four schools

Frequently compared to these colleges. Click a college to add to the comparison. 

Kentucky University of Toledo Eastern Murray State University WKU Xavier UC Morehead State University Louisville BGSU BSU Kent State
Northern Kentucky University vs. Salem International University comparison
Northern Kentucky University Salem International University College 3 College 4
Northern Kentucky University
Remove Remove +Add +Add

Overview

NKU Salem International University
Location Highland Heights, KY Salem, WV
Setting Large Suburban Distant Rural
Enrollment 14,961 894
Type Public 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #912
Religious Affiliation - - - -
Status Non-profit For-profit
Website nku.edu salemu.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

NKU Salem International University
Tuition (In State) $10,512 $10,200
Tuition (Out of State) $21,096 $13,200
Room & Board $11,660 $8,400
Avg Net Price $8,151 $11,626
Avg Grant Aid $11,492 $9,811
% Receiving Grant Aid 98% 100%

Admission

NKU Salem International University
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 6,417 -
Admitted 6,162 -
Acceptance Rate 96% Open
Enrolled % 21% Open
Avg High School GPA 3.42 -
Typical High School Grades B+ -
Admissions Standards Very Easy Unavailable
Applicant Competition
ACT Range 19/25
SAT Range 916/1133
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Aug 15, 2026

Academics

NKU Salem International University
Student to Faculty Ratio 18:1 16:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (26%)
  • Health Professions (11%)
  • Education (9%)
  • Visual and Performing Arts (7%)
  • Social Sciences (6%)
  • Business (78%)
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (8%)
  • Health Professions (6%)
  • Computer and Information Sciences (4%)
  • Education (4%)

Outcomes

NKU Salem International University
Graduation Rate 37% 14%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $39,700 $33,600
Making Student Loan Payments 53% 27%
Median Student Loan Debt $24,950 $26,618
Median Loan Payment $257 $275

Diversity

NKU Salem International University
% Men 10% 10%
% Women 24% 12%
Racial Diversity Very Low Very High
HBCU No No
% White 82% 39%
% Black 7% 24%
% Hispanic 3% 9%
% Native American 0% 1%
% Pacific Islander 0% 1%
% Two or More Races 2% 2%
% International 3% 8%
% Unknown Race 1% 17%

Students

NKU Salem International University
% In-State 71% 19%
% Out-of-State 28% 63%

Campus

NKU Salem International University
Campus Housing Yes Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No No
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes Yes Yes
Daycare Facility Yes No
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Northern Kentucky University is larger than than Salem International University based on total student enrollment (14,961 students vs. 894 students)

NKU vs. Salem International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Salem International University?

  • Northern Kentucky University is 3.1% more expensive to attend than Salem International University for in-state tuition ($10,512.00 vs. $10,200.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 59.8% higher at NKU than Salem International University ($21,096.00 vs. $13,200.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Northern Kentucky University than Salem International University ($8,151 vs. $11,626)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem International University are 38.8% lower than costs at Northern Kentucky University ($8,400 vs. $11,660)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Salem International University than Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 17.1% larger than aid received Salem International University ($11,492 vs. $9,811)

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or Salem International University? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between Salem International University or NKU .

NKU vs. Salem International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, NKU or Salem International University? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between Salem International University and NKU.

  • The graduation rate at NKU is higher than Salem International University (37% vs. 14%)
  • Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn on average $6,100 more per year than Salem International University graduates after ten years. ($39,700 vs. $33,600)
  • Northern Kentucky University students graduate with a $1,668 lower median federal student loan debt than Salem International University graduates. ($24,950 vs. $26,618)
  • NKU graduates are paying $18 less per month on federal student loans than Salem International University graduates. ($257 vs. $275)
  • More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem International University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 27%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/