NKU vs. WVU

Comparable Facts

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

West Virginia University is larger than NKU based on total student enrollment (23,643 students vs. 15,347 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

NKU vs. WVU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or WVU? 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 WVU ($9,211 vs. $15,169).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 12.8% lower than at West Virginia University ($12,712 vs. $14,582).
• Northern Kentucky University is 9.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVU (about $984 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $10,104.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.6% higher at WVU than at Northern Kentucky University (about $6,696 more per year; $28,608.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at West Virginia University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by West Virginia University students is 19.7% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($12,363 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. WVU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at West Virginia University (1120) is 70 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming WVU 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; West Virginia University 1010/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; West Virginia University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; WVU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WVU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at NKU (3.42).
• WVU has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 24.8% at WVU.

NKU vs. WVU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and WVU? 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).

• West Virginia University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from West Virginia University earn a median of about $10,900 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia University graduates have a $949 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($24,001 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, WVU graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($248 vs. $257).
• More WVU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.