NKU vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

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

Lamar University is larger than NKU based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 15,347 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Lamar University 20:1.

NKU vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or Lamar 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 Lamar University ($9,211 vs. $9,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 17.7% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($10,464 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 24.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $2,183 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.9% higher at NKU than at Lamar University (about $3,167 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Lamar University (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 18.7% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($12,263 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 10 points higher than at Lamar University (1040).
• Incoming NKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Lamar University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Lamar University (3.4).
• Lamar University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

NKU vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and Lamar 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).

• Northern Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $2,950 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($22,000 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($227 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 42%)

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.