University of Illinois Springfield vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Kentucky University is larger than University of Illinois Springfield based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 4,628 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Illinois Springfield is located in Springfield, IL (Midsize City setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Illinois Springfield is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Illinois Springfield 13:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

University of Illinois Springfield vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Illinois Springfield or NKU? 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 Illinois Springfield ($9,211 vs. $10,809).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Illinois Springfield are 3.7% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,242 vs. $12,712).
• University of Illinois Springfield is 10.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $1,164 more per year; $12,252.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.5% higher at University of Illinois Springfield than at Northern Kentucky University (about $105 more per year; $22,017.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at University of Illinois Springfield (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Illinois Springfield students is 41.9% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($14,666 vs. $10,332).

University of Illinois Springfield vs. NKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Illinois Springfield or NKU? 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 NKU and University of Illinois Springfield.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Illinois Springfield (1070) is 20 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming University of Illinois Springfield 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: University of Illinois Springfield 940/1200; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Springfield 21/27; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Illinois Springfield - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Illinois Springfield students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at NKU (3.42).
• University of Illinois Springfield has a higher acceptance rate (85.9%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.6% at University of Illinois Springfield vs. 36.8% at NKU.

University of Illinois Springfield vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Illinois Springfield and NKU? 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 Illinois Springfield's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from University of Illinois Springfield earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Illinois Springfield graduates have a $6,157 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($18,793 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, University of Illinois Springfield graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($194 vs. $257).
• More University of Illinois Springfield graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.