NKU vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

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

Western Michigan University is larger than NKU based on total student enrollment (16,744 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 Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

NKU vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or WMU? 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 WMU ($9,211 vs. $17,331).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 4.2% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,174 vs. $12,712).
• Western Michigan University is 37.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $4,164 more per year; $15,252.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.1% higher at NKU than at Western Michigan University (about $2,878 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Western Michigan University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Michigan University students is 6.9% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($11,048 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. WMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 60 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming WMU 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; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at NKU (3.42).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 13.5% at WMU.

NKU vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and WMU? 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 Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $1,683 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($24,950 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($257 vs. $275).
• More WMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.