NKU vs. University of South Carolina-Upstate

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than University of South Carolina-Upstate based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 4,916 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); University of South Carolina Upstate is in Spartanburg, SC (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Upstate is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; University of South Carolina Upstate 15:1.

NKU vs. University of South Carolina-Upstate Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or University of South Carolina-Upstate? 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 South Carolina-Upstate ($9,211 vs. $13,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Upstate are 17.1% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($10,533 vs. $12,712).
• University of South Carolina Upstate is 4.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $500 more per year; $11,588.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.4% higher at University of South Carolina-Upstate than at Northern Kentucky University (about $1,178 more per year; $23,090.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at University of South Carolina Upstate (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of South Carolina Upstate students is 3.7% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($10,719 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. University of South Carolina-Upstate Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or University of South Carolina-Upstate? 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 South Carolina-Upstate and NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Upstate (1090) is 40 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming University of South Carolina-Upstate 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 South Carolina Upstate 1005/1175.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; University of South Carolina Upstate 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; University of South Carolina-Upstate - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.89 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at University of South Carolina-Upstate (2.53).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than University of South Carolina-Upstate (67.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 24% at University of South Carolina-Upstate.

NKU vs. University of South Carolina-Upstate Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and University of South Carolina-Upstate? 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 South Carolina Upstate's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $400 more per year than University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $39,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Carolina Upstate graduates have a $2,450 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($232 vs. $257).
• More University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (55% 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.