NKU vs. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania in Slippery Rock, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 8,376 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is in Slippery Rock, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania 20:1.

NKU vs. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania? 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 Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania ($9,211 vs. $18,252).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania are 14.2% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($10,902 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 4.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (about $520 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $10,568.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.3% higher at NKU than at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (about $7,236 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $14,676.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (98% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 50.6% larger than aid received by Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania students ($10,332 vs. $6,862).

NKU vs. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania? 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 Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (1090) is 40 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania 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; Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania 980/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 33.5% at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.

NKU vs. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania? 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).

• Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $50 lower median loan debt than Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania graduates ($24,950 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania graduates ($257 vs. $258).
• More Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.