NKU vs. University of Charleston

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than University of Charleston based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 3,062 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); University of Charleston is in Charleston, WV (Small City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Charleston is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; University of Charleston 15:1.

NKU vs. University of Charleston Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or University of Charleston? 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 Charleston ($9,211 vs. $20,844).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Charleston are 3.4% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,280 vs. $12,712).
• University of Charleston is 204.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $22,712 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.3% higher at University of Charleston than at Northern Kentucky University (about $11,888 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at University of Charleston (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Charleston students is 152.9% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($26,132 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. University of Charleston Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Charleston (1070) is 20 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming NKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at University of Charleston (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; University of Charleston 985/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; University of Charleston 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; University of Charleston - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at University of Charleston (3.13).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than University of Charleston (61.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 16.8% at University of Charleston.

NKU vs. University of Charleston Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and University of Charleston? 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 Charleston's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from University of Charleston earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have a $4,450 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($20,500 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($211 vs. $257).
• More University of Charleston graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.