NKU vs. West Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than West Liberty University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 2,299 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); West Liberty University is in West Liberty, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Liberty University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; West Liberty University 12:1.

NKU vs. West Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU or West Liberty 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 West Liberty University ($9,211 vs. $13,655).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 0.1% lower than at West Liberty University ($12,712 vs. $12,728).
• Northern Kentucky University is 24.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Liberty University (about $2,195 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $8,893.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.6% higher at NKU than at West Liberty University (about $4,470 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $17,442.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at West Liberty University (98% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 42.5% larger than aid received by West Liberty University students ($10,332 vs. $7,248).

NKU vs. West Liberty University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 40 points higher than at West Liberty University (1010).
• Incoming NKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at West Liberty University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; West Liberty University 890/1123.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; West Liberty University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; West Liberty University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman West Liberty University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at NKU (3.42).
• West Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 31.5% at West Liberty University.

NKU vs. West Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU and West Liberty 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).

• West Liberty University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than West Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Liberty University graduates have a $333 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($24,617 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, West Liberty University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($254 vs. $257).
• More NKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former West Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 49%)

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.