Fort Hays State University vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS 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 Fort Hays State University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 12,878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fort Hays State University is located in Hays, KS (Remote Town setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Fort Hays State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fort Hays State University 15:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Fort Hays State University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fort Hays State 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 Fort Hays State University ($9,211 vs. $13,186).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fort Hays State University are 28.3% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($9,120 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 87.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fort Hays State University (about $5,165 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $5,923.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.5% higher at NKU than at Fort Hays State University (about $4,171 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $17,741.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Fort Hays State University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 53% larger than aid received by Fort Hays State University students ($10,332 vs. $6,751).

Fort Hays State University vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fort Hays State 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 Fort Hays State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fort Hays State University (1060) is 10 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming Fort Hays State 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: Fort Hays State University 970/1140; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fort Hays State University 18/24; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fort Hays State University - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fort Hays State University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Fort Hays State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.8% at Fort Hays State University vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Fort Hays State University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fort Hays State 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).

• Fort Hays State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Fort Hays State University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,400 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fort Hays State University graduates have a $4,232 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($20,718 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Fort Hays State University graduates have an estimated $43 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($214 vs. $257).
• More Fort Hays State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.