Southern Illinois University vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, 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 Southern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 11,790 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University ($9,211 vs. $13,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 2.9% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,341 vs. $12,712).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 20.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $2,246 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.3% higher at NKU than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $8,578 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 31.7% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($13,610 vs. $10,332).

Southern Illinois University vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Southern Illinois 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: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Southern Illinois University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois 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).

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $8,100 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $2,450 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($232 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 51%)

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.