NKU vs. University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,813 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); University of Pittsburgh Johnstown is in Johnstown, PA (Small Suburban setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Pittsburgh Johnstown is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; University of Pittsburgh Johnstown 14:1.

NKU vs. University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown? 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 University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown ($9,211 vs. $18,452).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 1.8% lower than at University of Pittsburgh Johnstown ($12,712 vs. $12,940).
• University of Pittsburgh Johnstown is 34.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $3,818 more per year; $14,906.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.2% higher at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown than at Northern Kentucky University (about $4,868 more per year; $26,780.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University as at University of Pittsburgh Johnstown (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Pittsburgh Johnstown students is 18.2% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($12,209 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU or University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown? 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 University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown and NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Pittsburgh Johnstown (1100) is 50 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; University of Pittsburgh Johnstown 985/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; University of Pittsburgh Johnstown 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at NKU (3.42).
• University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 17.8% at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown.

NKU vs. University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown? 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).

• University of Pittsburgh Johnstown's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from University of Pittsburgh Johnstown earn a median of about $18,300 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,000 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $1,959 lower median loan debt than University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown graduates ($24,950 vs. $26,909).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown graduates ($257 vs. $278).
• More University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.