NKU vs. Xavier

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Xavier based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 5,501 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Xavier University is in Cincinnati, OH (Large City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Xavier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Xavier University 10:1.

NKU vs. Xavier Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Xavier? 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 Xavier ($9,211 vs. $33,623).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 8.7% lower than at Xavier University ($12,712 vs. $13,920).
• Xavier University is 356.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $39,552 more per year; $50,640.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 131.1% higher at Xavier than at Northern Kentucky University (about $28,728 more per year; $50,640.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Xavier University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Xavier University students is 210.6% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($32,088 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Xavier Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Xavier University (1210) is 160 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming Xavier students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Xavier University 1103/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Xavier University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Xavier - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Xavier students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Xavier has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 7.3% at Xavier.

NKU vs. Xavier Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Xavier? 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).

• Xavier University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Xavier University earn a median of about $14,800 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,500 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 Xavier graduates ($24,950 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Xavier graduates ($257 vs. $279).
• More Xavier graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.