NKU vs. SBTS

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than SBTS based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 4,298 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is in Louisville, Kentucky (Large City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 16:1.

NKU vs. SBTS Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or SBTS? 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 SBTS ($9,211 vs. $21,081).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary are 33.4% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($8,466 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 0.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than SBTS (about $42 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $11,046.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 98.4% higher at NKU than at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (about $10,866 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $11,046.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (98% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 540.5% larger than aid received by The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary students ($10,332 vs. $1,613).

NKU vs. SBTS Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1120) is 70 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming SBTS students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 19/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; SBTS - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; SBTS Jul 15, 2027.
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than SBTS (55.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 55.9% at SBTS.

NKU vs. SBTS Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and SBTS? 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).

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.