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Centre College vs Northern Kentucky University

Centre College is a private college in Danville, KY. Northern Kentucky University is a public university in Highland Heights, KY. Centre College admits about 54% of applicants and Northern Kentucky University about 68%, making Centre College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $8,191 a year at Northern Kentucky University after aid, and about $20,781 at Centre College. About 83% of students graduate at Centre College, compared with 50% at Northern Kentucky University. Ten years after enrolling, Centre College alumni earn a median of about $66,240, against $50,220 for Northern Kentucky University.

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Centre College

Danville, KY · Private

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Danville, KY
Highland Heights, KY
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,400
8,246
Acceptance rate
54%
68%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1450
953–1150
ACT (middle 50%)
25–32
18–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,781
$8,191
Full cost / yr
$67,787
$19,725
In-state tuition
$52,820
$11,088
Out-of-state tuition
$52,820
$21,912
Application fee
$0
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,364
$2,603
$30k - $48k
$10,388
$3,630
$48k - $75k
$15,847
$6,761
$75k - $110k
$18,920
$12,679
Over $110k
$30,571
$14,522
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
50%
Freshman retention
88%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,073
$42,105
Median earnings (10 yr)
$66,240
$50,220
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
25%
First-generation students
20%
38%
International students
4%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Centre College or Northern Kentucky University harder to get into?
Centre College is harder to get into. It admits about 54% of applicants, compared with 68% at Northern Kentucky University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Centre College or Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $8,191 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,781 at Centre College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Centre College and Northern Kentucky University?
Before aid, Northern Kentucky University costs about $19,725 a year and Centre College about $67,787. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Centre College or Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,603 there, against about $11,364 at Centre College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Centre College or Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University is the larger of the two, with about 8,246 undergraduates against 1,400 at Centre College.
Does Centre College or Northern Kentucky University have a better graduation rate?
Centre College has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 50% at Northern Kentucky University.
Do graduates of Centre College or Northern Kentucky University earn more?
Centre College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $66,240 ten years after enrolling, against about $50,220 for Northern Kentucky University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Centre College and Northern Kentucky University require SAT or ACT scores?
Centre College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northern Kentucky University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Centre College and Northern Kentucky University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1450 at Centre College and 953–1150 at Northern Kentucky University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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