NKU vs. Union Commonwealth University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Union Commonwealth University is in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Union Commonwealth University 14:1.

NKU vs. Union Commonwealth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University ($9,211 vs. $17,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 35% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($8,261 vs. $12,712).
• Union Commonwealth University is 179.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $19,858 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.2% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $9,034 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 160.9% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($26,961 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Union Commonwealth University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Union Commonwealth University (1010).
• Incoming NKU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at Union Commonwealth University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Union Commonwealth University 920/1105.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Union Commonwealth University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Union Commonwealth University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Union Commonwealth University (3.15).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University.

NKU vs. Union Commonwealth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University's (32%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $950 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($24,000 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($248 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union Commonwealth University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 42%)

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.