Western Illinois University vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, 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 Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Western Illinois University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western 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 Western Illinois University ($9,211 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 11% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,320 vs. $12,712).
• Western Illinois University is 37.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $4,176 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.6% higher at NKU than at Western Illinois University (about $6,648 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Western Illinois University (98% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 45.1% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($14,994 vs. $10,332).

Western Illinois University vs. NKU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 60 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Western 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: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Western Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (71.2%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Western Illinois University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western 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).

• Western Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $246 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($24,704 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($255 vs. $257).
• More Western Illinois University 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.