NKU vs. University of Northwestern Ohio

Should I go to Northern Kentucky University or University of Northwestern Ohio? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if NKU or University of Northwestern Ohio is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

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Northern Kentucky University vs. University of Northwestern Ohio comparison
Northern Kentucky University University of Northwestern Ohio College 3 College 4
Northern Kentucky University
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Overview

NKU University of Northwestern Ohio
Location Highland Heights, KY Lima, OH
Setting Large Suburban Small City
Enrollment 14,961 2,606
Type Public 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #912
Religious Affiliation - - - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website nku.edu unoh.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

NKU University of Northwestern Ohio
Tuition (In State) $10,512 $11,700
Tuition (Out of State) $21,096 $11,700
Room & Board $11,660 $8,421
Avg Net Price $8,151 $18,794
Avg Grant Aid $11,492 $5,715
% Receiving Grant Aid 98% 63%

Admission

NKU University of Northwestern Ohio
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 6,417 -
Admitted 6,162 -
Acceptance Rate 96% Open
Enrolled % 21% Open
Avg High School GPA 3.42 2.86
Typical High School Grades B+ B-
Admissions Standards Very Easy Unavailable
Applicant Competition
ACT Range 19/25
SAT Range 916/1133
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Aug 15, 2026

Academics

NKU University of Northwestern Ohio
Student to Faculty Ratio 18:1 25:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (26%)
  • Health Professions (11%)
  • Education (9%)
  • Visual and Performing Arts (7%)
  • Social Sciences (6%)
  • Mechanic and Repair Technologies (70%)
  • Business (10%)
  • Agriculture (9%)
  • Transportation and Materials Moving (4%)
  • Health Professions (4%)

Outcomes

NKU University of Northwestern Ohio
Graduation Rate 37% 46%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $39,700 $40,200
Making Student Loan Payments 53% 52%
Median Student Loan Debt $24,950 $21,398
Median Loan Payment $257 $221

Diversity

NKU University of Northwestern Ohio
% Men 10% 1%
% Women 24% 1%
Racial Diversity Very Low Medium
HBCU No No
% White 82% 67%
% Black 7% 3%
% Hispanic 3% 3%
% Native American 0% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 2% 0%
% International 3% 3%
% Unknown Race 1% 23%

Students

NKU University of Northwestern Ohio
% In-State 71% 34%
% Out-of-State 28% 63%

Campus

NKU University of Northwestern Ohio
Campus Housing Yes Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No No
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes Yes Yes
Daycare Facility Yes No
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Northern Kentucky University is larger than than University of Northwestern Ohio based on total student enrollment (14,961 students vs. 2,606 students)

NKU vs. University of Northwestern Ohio Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or University of Northwestern Ohio?

  • University of Northwestern Ohio is 11.3% more expensive to attend than NKU for in-state tuition ($11,700.00 vs. $10,512.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 80.3% higher at NKU than University of Northwestern Ohio ($21,096.00 vs. $11,700.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Northern Kentucky University than University of Northwestern Ohio ($8,151 vs. $18,794)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northwestern Ohio are 38.5% lower than costs at Northern Kentucky University ($8,421 vs. $11,660)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than University of Northwestern Ohio (98% vs. 63%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 101.1% larger than aid received University of Northwestern Ohio ($11,492 vs. $5,715)

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or University of Northwestern Ohio? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between University of Northwestern Ohio or NKU .

  • Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at University of Northwestern Ohio (2.86)

NKU vs. University of Northwestern Ohio Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, NKU or University of Northwestern Ohio? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between University of Northwestern Ohio and NKU.

  • The graduation rate at University of Northwestern Ohio is higher than Northern Kentucky University (46% vs. 37%)
  • Graduates from University of Northwestern Ohio earn on average $500 more per year than NKU graduates after ten years. ($40,200 vs. $39,700)
  • University of Northwestern Ohio students graduate with a $3,552 lower median federal student loan debt than NKU graduates. ($21,398 vs. $24,950)
  • University of Northwestern Ohio graduates are paying $36 less per month on federal student loans than NKU graduates. ($221 vs. $257)
  • More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Northwestern Ohio students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 52%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/