Rockford University vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Rockford University in Rockford, IL 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 Rockford University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Rockford University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockford 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 Rockford University ($9,211 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 10.2% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,420 vs. $12,712).
• Rockford University is 240.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $26,692 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.4% higher at Rockford University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $15,868 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Rockford University as at Northern Kentucky University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 148.5% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($25,671 vs. $10,332).

Rockford University vs. NKU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 90 points higher than at Rockford University (960).
• Incoming NKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Rockford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 850/1070; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 17/23; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockford University - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Rockford University (3.25).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Rockford University vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Rockford University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Northern Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from Rockford University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $50 lower median loan debt than Rockford University graduates ($24,950 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rockford University graduates ($257 vs. $258).
• More Rockford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.