Shorter vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Shorter University in Rome, GA 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 Shorter based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,318 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shorter University is located in Rome, GA (Small City setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Shorter University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shorter University 14:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Shorter vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shorter 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 Shorter ($9,211 vs. $16,821).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shorter University are 22% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($9,920 vs. $12,712).
• Shorter University is 122.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $13,542 more per year; $24,630.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.4% higher at Shorter than at Northern Kentucky University (about $2,718 more per year; $24,630.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shorter University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shorter University students is 82.6% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($18,862 vs. $10,332).

Shorter vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Shorter 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 Shorter.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shorter University (1120) is 70 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming Shorter 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: Shorter University 1040/1200; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shorter University 18/25; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shorter - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shorter Aug 25, 2027; NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Shorter (3.25).
• Shorter has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.5% at Shorter vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Shorter vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shorter 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).

• Shorter University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Shorter University earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $3,468 lower median loan debt than Shorter graduates ($24,950 vs. $28,418).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shorter graduates ($257 vs. $293).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shorter students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 38%)

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.