NKU vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with West Virginia State University in Institute, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than WVSU based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 3,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); West Virginia State University is in Institute, WV (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; West Virginia State University 13:1.

NKU vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or WVSU? 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 WVSU ($9,211 vs. $11,055).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 6% lower than at West Virginia State University ($12,712 vs. $13,522).
• Northern Kentucky University is 15.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVSU (about $1,518 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $9,570.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.2% higher at NKU than at West Virginia State University (about $6,922 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at West Virginia State University (98% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 14.9% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($10,332 vs. $8,993).

NKU vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 150 points higher than at WVSU (900).
• Incoming NKU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at WVSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; West Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; West Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; WVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at WVSU (3.24).
• WVSU has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

NKU vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than WVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $32,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia State University graduates have a $1,700 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($23,250 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, WVSU graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($240 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVSU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 35%)

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.