NKU vs. UT Martin

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than UT Martin based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 7,499 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); The University of Tennessee Martin is in Martin, TN (Remote Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Tennessee Martin is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; The University of Tennessee Martin 16:1.

NKU vs. UT Martin Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or UT Martin? 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 UT Martin ($9,211 vs. $11,955).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Tennessee Martin are 40.7% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($7,544 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 5% more expensive for in-state tuition than UT Martin (about $528 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $10,560.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32% higher at NKU than at The University of Tennessee Martin (about $5,312 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $16,600.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University as at The University of Tennessee Martin (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Tennessee Martin students is 5.1% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($10,861 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. UT Martin Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Tennessee Martin (1090) is 40 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming UT Martin 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; The University of Tennessee Martin 970/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; The University of Tennessee Martin 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; UT Martin - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UT Martin students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at NKU (3.42).
• UT Martin has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 22.8% at UT Martin.

NKU vs. UT Martin Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and UT Martin? 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).

• The University of Tennessee Martin's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $600 more per year than UT Martin graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Tennessee Martin graduates have a $1,450 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($23,500 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, UT Martin graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($242 vs. $257).
• More UT Martin graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.