NKU vs. Tusculum University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Tusculum University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,103 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Tusculum University is in Greeneville, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tusculum University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Tusculum University 18:1.

NKU vs. Tusculum University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Tusculum 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 Tusculum University ($9,211 vs. $20,355).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tusculum University are 13.5% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,000 vs. $12,712).
• Tusculum University is 163.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $18,162 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.5% higher at Tusculum University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $7,338 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Tusculum University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tusculum University students is 130% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($23,759 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Tusculum University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Tusculum University (1010).
• Incoming NKU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Tusculum University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Tusculum University 910/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Tusculum University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Tusculum University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Tusculum University (3.18).
• Tusculum University has a higher acceptance rate (72.2%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 16.4% at Tusculum University.

NKU vs. Tusculum University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Tusculum 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).

• Tusculum University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Tusculum University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $2,050 lower median loan debt than Tusculum University graduates ($24,950 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tusculum University graduates ($257 vs. $279).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tusculum University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 52%)

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.