Union Commonwealth University vs. Nelson University

Comparable Facts

Compare Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, KY with Nelson University in Waxahachie, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Nelson University is larger than Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (1,794 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Union Commonwealth University is located in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting); Nelson University is in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Union Commonwealth University 14:1; Nelson University 15:1.

Union Commonwealth University vs. Nelson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union Commonwealth University or Nelson University? 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 Union Commonwealth University than Nelson University ($17,124 vs. $22,359).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 13.9% lower than at Nelson University ($8,261 vs. $9,598).
• Union Commonwealth University is 23.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nelson University (about $5,882 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.5% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Nelson University (about $5,882 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Nelson University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 123.3% larger than aid received by Nelson University students ($26,961 vs. $12,075).

Union Commonwealth University vs. Nelson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Union Commonwealth University or Nelson University? 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 Nelson University and Union Commonwealth University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union Commonwealth University (1010) is 20 points higher than at Nelson University (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 920/1105; Nelson University 890/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union Commonwealth University - Test optional; Nelson University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Nelson University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.19) than students at Union Commonwealth University (3.15).
• Nelson University has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University vs. 56.8% at Nelson University.

Union Commonwealth University vs. Nelson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Union Commonwealth University and Nelson University? 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).

• Nelson University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Union Commonwealth University's (32%).
• Graduates from Nelson University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,900 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Nelson University graduates ($24,000 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nelson University graduates ($248 vs. $271).
• More Nelson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union Commonwealth University students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 42%)

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.