Lewis University vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Lewis University in Romeoville, 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 Lewis University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 7,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lewis University is located in Romeoville, IL (Large Suburban setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Lewis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lewis University 13:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Lewis University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lewis 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 Lewis University ($9,211 vs. $18,959).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lewis University are 4.5% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,140 vs. $12,712).
• Lewis University is 253.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $28,112 more per year; $39,200.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.9% higher at Lewis University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $17,288 more per year; $39,200.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lewis University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lewis University students is 177.9% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($28,717 vs. $10,332).

Lewis University vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lewis 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 Lewis University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lewis University (1090) is 40 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming Lewis University 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: Lewis University 960/1210; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lewis University 20/27; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lewis University - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lewis University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Lewis University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Lewis University vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Lewis University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lewis 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).

• Lewis University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Lewis University earn a median of about $11,800 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,500 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lewis University graduates have a $325 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($24,625 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Lewis University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($254 vs. $257).
• More Lewis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.