Idaho vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Idaho in Moscow, ID 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 Idaho based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 12,286 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Idaho is located in Moscow, ID (Rural Fringe setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Idaho is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Idaho 18:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Idaho vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Idaho 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 Idaho ($9,211 vs. $15,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Idaho are 11.6% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,243 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 22.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Idaho (about $2,004 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $9,084.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.2% higher at Idaho than at Northern Kentucky University (about $6,408 more per year; $28,320.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at University of Idaho (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Idaho students is 21.6% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($12,568 vs. $10,332).

Idaho vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Idaho 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 Idaho.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Idaho (1110) is 60 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming Idaho students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Idaho 990/1230; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Idaho 20/26; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Idaho - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Idaho students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Idaho has a higher acceptance rate (75.5%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Idaho vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Idaho vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Idaho 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).

• University of Idaho's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from University of Idaho earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Idaho graduates have a $671 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($24,279 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Idaho graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($251 vs. $257).
• More Idaho 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.