NKU vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

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

University of Memphis is larger than NKU based on total student enrollment (20,276 students vs. 15,347 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

NKU vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Memphis? 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 Memphis ($9,211 vs. $12,756).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Memphis are 10.8% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,342 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 3.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Memphis (about $360 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $10,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.4% higher at NKU than at University of Memphis (about $6,528 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at University of Memphis (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 14.1% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($11,793 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is the same as at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming NKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Memphis (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Memphis students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Memphis has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

NKU vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Memphis? 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 Memphis's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from University of Memphis earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $300 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($24,950 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($257 vs. $261).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 37%)

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.