Oakland City University vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Oakland City University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 640 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oakland City University is located in Oakland City, IN (Distant Town setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Oakland City University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oakland City University 13:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Oakland City University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Oakland City University or NKU? 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 Oakland City University ($9,211 vs. $16,437).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Oakland City University are 8.7% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,600 vs. $12,712).
• Oakland City University is 151.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $16,812 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.3% higher at Oakland City University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $5,988 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oakland City University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oakland City University students is 152.3% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($26,067 vs. $10,332).

Oakland City University vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Oakland City University or NKU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between NKU and Oakland City University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 50 points higher than at Oakland City University (1000).
• Incoming NKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Oakland City University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Oakland City University 850/1150; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Oakland City University 17/23; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Oakland City University - Test-free; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Oakland City University Aug 1, 2027; NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman NKU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Oakland City University (3.29).
• Oakland City University has a higher acceptance rate (82.5%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.5% at Oakland City University vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Oakland City University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Oakland City University and NKU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Oakland City University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than Oakland City University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $36,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Oakland City University graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($20,200 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Oakland City University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($208 vs. $257).
• More Oakland City University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.