NKU vs. Southeast Missouri State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Southeast Missouri State University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 9,501 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Southeast Missouri State University is in Cape Girardeau, MO (Remote Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southeast Missouri State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Southeast Missouri State University 20:1.

NKU vs. Southeast Missouri State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Southeast Missouri 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 Southeast Missouri State University ($9,211 vs. $16,185).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southeast Missouri State University are 4% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,198 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 12% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southeast Missouri State University (about $1,185 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $9,903.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 121.3% higher at NKU than at Southeast Missouri State University (about $12,009 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $9,903.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Southeast Missouri State University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 21.4% larger than aid received by Southeast Missouri State University students ($10,332 vs. $8,512).

NKU vs. Southeast Missouri State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 110 points higher than at Southeast Missouri State University (940).
• Incoming NKU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Southeast Missouri State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Southeast Missouri State University 850/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Southeast Missouri State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Southeast Missouri State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Southeast Missouri State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southeast Missouri State University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Southeast Missouri State University has a higher acceptance rate (73.5%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 17.9% at Southeast Missouri State University.

NKU vs. Southeast Missouri State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Southeast Missouri 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).

• Southeast Missouri State University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Southeast Missouri State University earn a median of about $800 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southeast Missouri State University graduates have a $2,423 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($22,527 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Southeast Missouri State University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($232 vs. $257).
• More Southeast Missouri 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.