NKU vs. RU

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than RU based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 7,812 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

NKU vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or RU? 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 RU ($9,211 vs. $16,749).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Radford University are 1.6% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,504 vs. $12,712).
• Radford University is 13.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $1,460 more per year; $12,548.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17% higher at RU than at Northern Kentucky University (about $3,721 more per year; $25,633.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Radford University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Radford University students is 14.9% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($11,870 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. RU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is the same as at RU (1050).
• Incoming RU 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; Radford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Radford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; RU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at RU (3.31).
• RU has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 14.4% at RU.

NKU vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and RU? 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).

• Radford University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Radford University earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Radford University graduates have a $1,950 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($23,000 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, RU graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($237 vs. $257).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.