Saint Xavier University vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Xavier University in Chicago, 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 Saint Xavier University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 3,485 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Xavier University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Saint Xavier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Xavier University 16:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Saint Xavier University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Saint Xavier 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 Saint Xavier University ($9,211 vs. $11,318).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 1.2% lower than at Saint Xavier University ($12,712 vs. $12,860).
• Saint Xavier University is 242.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $26,852 more per year; $37,940.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73.1% higher at Saint Xavier University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $16,028 more per year; $37,940.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Xavier University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Xavier University students is 209.6% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($31,985 vs. $10,332).

Saint Xavier University vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Saint Xavier 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 Saint Xavier University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 10 points higher than at Saint Xavier University (1040).
• Incoming Saint Xavier University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at NKU (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Xavier University 950/1120; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Xavier University 18/24; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Saint Xavier University - Test-free; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Saint Xavier University (3.4).
• Saint Xavier University has a higher acceptance rate (84.3%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at Saint Xavier University vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Saint Xavier University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Saint Xavier 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).

• Saint Xavier University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Saint Xavier University earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Xavier University graduates have a $928 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($24,022 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Saint Xavier University graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($248 vs. $257).
• More Saint Xavier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.