NKU vs. University of Akron

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with University of Akron Main Campus in Akron, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than University of Akron based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 13,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); University of Akron Main Campus is in Akron, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Akron Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; University of Akron Main Campus 17:1.

NKU vs. University of Akron Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron ($9,211 vs. $14,693).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Akron Main Campus are 6.4% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,904 vs. $12,712).
• University of Akron Main Campus is 18.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $2,047 more per year; $13,135.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.3% higher at NKU than at University of Akron Main Campus (about $1,097 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $20,815.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at University of Akron Main Campus (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students is 11.8% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($11,551 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. University of Akron Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron and NKU.

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is the same as at University of Akron (1050).
• Incoming NKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at University of Akron (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; University of Akron Main Campus 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; University of Akron - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; University of Akron Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Akron students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at NKU (3.42).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than University of Akron (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 18.3% at University of Akron.

NKU vs. University of Akron Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and University of Akron? 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).

• University of Akron Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from University of Akron Main Campus earn a median of about $400 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,100 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $550 lower median loan debt than University of Akron graduates ($24,950 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Akron graduates ($257 vs. $263).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Akron students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 45%)

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.