NKU vs. UNG

Comparable Facts

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

University of North Georgia is larger than NKU based on total student enrollment (19,291 students vs. 15,347 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

NKU vs. UNG Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or UNG? 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 UNG ($9,211 vs. $11,157).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 0.5% lower than at University of North Georgia ($12,712 vs. $12,770).
• Northern Kentucky University is 109.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNG (about $5,803 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $5,285.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.8% higher at NKU than at University of North Georgia (about $5,409 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $16,503.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at University of North Georgia (98% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 43% larger than aid received by University of North Georgia students ($10,332 vs. $7,226).

NKU vs. UNG Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of North Georgia (1100) is 50 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming UNG 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; University of North Georgia 980/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; University of North Georgia 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; UNG - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027; UNG Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UNG students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at NKU (3.42).
• UNG has a higher acceptance rate (67.9%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 47.9% at UNG.

NKU vs. UNG Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and UNG? 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).

• Graduates from University of North Georgia earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,100 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of North Georgia graduates have a $8,450 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($16,500 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, UNG graduates have an estimated $87 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($170 vs. $257).
• More UNG graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.