NKU vs. Heidelberg University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Heidelberg University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,091 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Heidelberg University is in Tiffin, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Heidelberg University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Heidelberg University 14:1.

NKU vs. Heidelberg University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Heidelberg University? 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 Heidelberg University ($9,211 vs. $19,447).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Heidelberg University are 3.2% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,300 vs. $12,712).
• Heidelberg University is 203.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $22,562 more per year; $33,650.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.6% higher at Heidelberg University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $11,738 more per year; $33,650.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Heidelberg University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Heidelberg University students is 164.8% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($27,363 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Heidelberg University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or Heidelberg University? 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 Heidelberg University and NKU.

• Heidelberg University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Heidelberg University (1100) is 50 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming NKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Heidelberg University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Heidelberg University 1030/1162.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Heidelberg University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Heidelberg University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Heidelberg University (3.33).
• Heidelberg University has a higher acceptance rate (85.8%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 18.2% at Heidelberg University.

NKU vs. Heidelberg University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Heidelberg University? 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).

• Heidelberg University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Heidelberg University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,700 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $3,050 lower median loan debt than Heidelberg University graduates ($24,950 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Heidelberg University graduates ($257 vs. $289).
• More Heidelberg University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.