NKU vs. Spalding

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Spalding based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,553 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Spalding University is in Louisville, KY (Large City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Spalding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Spalding University 9:1.

NKU vs. Spalding Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Spalding? 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 Spalding ($9,211 vs. $25,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spalding University are 23.6% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($9,710 vs. $12,712).
• Spalding University is 163.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $18,112 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.3% higher at Spalding than at Northern Kentucky University (about $7,288 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spalding University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spalding University students is 88% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($19,429 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Spalding Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or Spalding? 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 Spalding and NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 90 points higher than at Spalding (960).
• Incoming NKU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Spalding).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Spalding University 875/1038.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Spalding University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Spalding - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Spalding students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Spalding has a higher acceptance rate (99.4%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 15.6% at Spalding.

NKU vs. Spalding Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Spalding? 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).

• Spalding University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Spalding University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 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 Spalding graduates ($24,950 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Spalding graduates ($257 vs. $258).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Spalding students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 44%)

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.