NKU vs. Siena Heights University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with Siena Heights University in Adrian, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Siena Heights University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,781 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 6% lower than at Siena Heights University ($12,712 vs. $13,530).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.5% higher at Siena Heights University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $8,866 more per year; $30,778 vs. $21,912).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Siena Heights University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Siena Heights University students is 161.2% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($26,984 vs. $10,332).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 2 points higher at NKU than at Siena Heights University (21 vs. 19, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both NKU and Siena Heights University.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; Siena Heights University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at NKU average a 3.42 high school GPA, 0.1 higher than at Siena Heights University (3.32).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 36.3% at Siena Heights University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Siena Heights University graduates have a $7,204 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($17,746 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Siena Heights University graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($183 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Siena Heights University students, three years after graduation (53% vs. 52%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.