NKU vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

NKU vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Shepherd 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 Shepherd University ($9,211 vs. $11,744).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 1.6% lower than at Shepherd University ($12,712 vs. $12,916).
• Northern Kentucky University is 22.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $2,032 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.8% higher at NKU than at Shepherd University (about $2,830 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Shepherd University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 25.4% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($10,332 vs. $8,241).

NKU vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming NKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Shepherd University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

NKU vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Shepherd 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).

• Shepherd University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $2,727 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($22,223 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($229 vs. $257).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.