NKU vs. University of Pikeville

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than University of Pikeville based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 2,547 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); University of Pikeville is in Pikeville, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Pikeville is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; University of Pikeville 14:1.

NKU vs. University of Pikeville Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or University of Pikeville? 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 Pikeville ($9,211 vs. $13,227).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Pikeville are 29.2% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($9,000 vs. $12,712).
• University of Pikeville is 124.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $13,762 more per year; $24,850.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.4% higher at University of Pikeville than at Northern Kentucky University (about $2,938 more per year; $24,850.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Pikeville than at Northern Kentucky University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Pikeville students is 96.3% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($20,280 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. University of Pikeville Admissions comparison

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

• University of Pikeville reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; University of Pikeville - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; University of Pikeville Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have the same average high school GPA (3.42) as students at University of Pikeville (3.42).

NKU vs. University of Pikeville Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Northern Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than University of Pikeville's (26%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than University of Pikeville graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Pikeville graduates have a $450 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($24,500 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, University of Pikeville graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($253 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Pikeville students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 39%)

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.