NKU vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

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

Kennesaw State University is larger than NKU based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 15,347 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

NKU vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or KSU? 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 KSU ($9,211 vs. $15,636).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 4.3% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($12,712 vs. $13,287).
• Northern Kentucky University is 90.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $5,280 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.5% higher at NKU than at Kennesaw State University (about $4,176 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Kennesaw State University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 25.6% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($10,332 vs. $8,223).

NKU vs. KSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kennesaw State University (1110) is 60 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming KSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at KSU (3.33).
• KSU has a higher acceptance rate (69.2%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 38% at KSU.

NKU vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and KSU? 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).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kennesaw State University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($21,200 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($219 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KSU students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.