University of South Alabama vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL 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 University of South Alabama based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 14,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Alabama is located in Mobile, AL (Midsize City setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• University of South Alabama 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 South Alabama 19:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

University of South Alabama vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of South Alabama 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 University of South Alabama ($9,211 vs. $16,074).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Alabama are 10.6% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,366 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 9.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of South Alabama (about $972 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $10,116.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.8% higher at NKU than at University of South Alabama (about $2,820 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $19,092.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at University of South Alabama (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 10.8% larger than aid received by University of South Alabama students ($10,332 vs. $9,329).

University of South Alabama vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of South Alabama 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 University of South Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Alabama (1080) is 30 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming University of South Alabama 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 South Alabama 970/1190; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 20/26; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of South Alabama - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of South Alabama Jul 15, 2027; NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of South Alabama students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at NKU (3.42).
• University of South Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (71%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at University of South Alabama vs. 36.8% at NKU.

University of South Alabama vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of South Alabama 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 South Alabama's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from University of South Alabama earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Alabama graduates have a $450 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($24,500 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, University of South Alabama graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($253 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of South Alabama students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 45%)

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.