NKU vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than NKU based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 15,347 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

NKU vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or WKU? 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 WKU ($9,211 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 1% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,582 vs. $12,712).
• Western Kentucky University is 5.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $564 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.2% higher at WKU than at Northern Kentucky University (about $5,088 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Northern Kentucky University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 5.7% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($10,921 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. WKU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 100 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming NKU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have the same average high school GPA (3.42) as students at WKU (3.42).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 30.2% at WKU.

NKU vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and WKU? 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).

• Western Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $700 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($24,250 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($250 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 47%)

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.