NKU vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Salem State University 12:1.

NKU vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Salem 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 Salem State University ($9,211 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 24.5% lower than at Salem State University ($12,712 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 11.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $1,250 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.2% higher at NKU than at Salem State University (about $2,381 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University as at Salem State University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 0.1% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($10,332 vs. $10,319).

NKU vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 30 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

NKU vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Salem 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).

• Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $950 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($24,000 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($248 vs. $257).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.