NKU vs. University of Missouri-St Louis

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with University of Missouri St Louis in Saint Louis, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than University of Missouri-St Louis based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 14,736 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); University of Missouri St Louis is in Saint Louis, MO (Large Suburban setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Missouri St Louis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; University of Missouri St Louis 13:1.

NKU vs. University of Missouri-St Louis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or University of Missouri-St Louis? 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 Missouri-St Louis ($9,211 vs. $14,008).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 5.9% lower than at University of Missouri St Louis ($12,712 vs. $13,502).
• University of Missouri St Louis is 27.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $3,024 more per year; $14,112.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.2% higher at University of Missouri-St Louis than at Northern Kentucky University (about $13,200 more per year; $35,112.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Missouri St Louis than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Missouri St Louis students is 65.5% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($17,096 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. University of Missouri-St Louis Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or University of Missouri-St Louis? 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 Missouri-St Louis and NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Missouri St Louis (1180) is 130 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming University of Missouri-St Louis students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; University of Missouri St Louis 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; University of Missouri St Louis 19/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; University of Missouri-St Louis - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Missouri-St Louis students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at NKU (3.42).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than University of Missouri-St Louis (62.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 12.6% at University of Missouri-St Louis.

NKU vs. University of Missouri-St Louis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and University of Missouri-St Louis? 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 Missouri St Louis's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from University of Missouri St Louis earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,300 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Missouri St Louis graduates have a $3,963 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($20,987 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, University of Missouri-St Louis graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($217 vs. $257).
• More University of Missouri-St Louis graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.