NKU vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Tennessee State University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 6,310 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

NKU vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Tennessee 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 Tennessee State University ($9,211 vs. $14,586).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 12.3% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,150 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 28.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $2,472 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.3% higher at Tennessee State University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $504 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Tennessee State University (98% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 6.9% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($10,332 vs. $9,661).

NKU vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

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

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 80 points higher than at Tennessee State University (970).
• Incoming NKU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Tennessee State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Tennessee State University (3.22).
• Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (70.1%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

NKU vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Tennessee 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).

• Northern Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $3,050 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($24,950 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($257 vs. $289).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 29%)

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.