NKU vs. Wheeling University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Wheeling University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 774 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Wheeling University is in Wheeling, WV (Small City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wheeling University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Wheeling University 15:1.

NKU vs. Wheeling University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Wheeling University? 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 Wheeling University ($9,211 vs. $21,073).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wheeling University are 1.9% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,470 vs. $12,712).
• Wheeling University is 169.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $18,787 more per year; $29,875.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.3% higher at Wheeling University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $7,963 more per year; $29,875.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wheeling University than at Northern Kentucky University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wheeling University students is 112.3% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($21,931 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Wheeling University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wheeling University (1070) is 20 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming NKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Wheeling University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Wheeling University 950/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Wheeling University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Wheeling University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Wheeling University (3.33).
• NKU has a higher acceptance rate (67.6%) than Wheeling University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 10.2% at Wheeling University.

NKU vs. Wheeling University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Wheeling University? 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).

• Wheeling University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Wheeling University earn a median of about $8,400 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $2,050 lower median loan debt than Wheeling University graduates ($24,950 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wheeling University graduates ($257 vs. $279).
• More Wheeling University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.