Kentucky vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY with Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kentucky is larger than NKU based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 15,347 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Kentucky 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 Kentucky 18:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Kentucky vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky 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 Kentucky ($9,211 vs. $21,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 20.6% lower than at University of Kentucky ($12,712 vs. $16,016).
• University of Kentucky is 21.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $2,414 more per year; $13,502.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.8% higher at Kentucky than at Northern Kentucky University (about $12,228 more per year; $34,140.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at University of Kentucky (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kentucky students is 24.8% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($12,898 vs. $10,332).

Kentucky vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kentucky 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 Kentucky.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kentucky (1180) is 130 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming Kentucky students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027; NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kentucky students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Kentucky vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky 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 Kentucky's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $11,300 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $2,200 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($22,750 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($235 vs. $257).
• More Kentucky graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.