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Kentucky Wesleyan College vs Northern Kentucky University

Kentucky Wesleyan College is a private college in Owensboro, KY. Northern Kentucky University is a public university in Highland Heights, KY. Northern Kentucky University admits about 68% of applicants and Kentucky Wesleyan College about 72%, making Northern Kentucky University 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 $17,131 at Kentucky Wesleyan College. About 50% of students graduate at Northern Kentucky University, compared with 49% at Kentucky Wesleyan College. Ten years after enrolling, Northern Kentucky University alumni earn a median of about $50,220, against $46,747 for Kentucky Wesleyan College.

Kentucky Wesleyan College

Owensboro, KY · Private

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Owensboro, KY
Highland Heights, KY
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
842
8,246
Acceptance rate
72%
68%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
890–1130
953–1150
ACT (middle 50%)
16–23
18–25
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,131
$8,191
Full cost / yr
$46,203
$19,725
In-state tuition
$34,673
$11,088
Out-of-state tuition
$34,673
$21,912
Application fee
Not reported
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,951
$2,603
$30k - $48k
$13,701
$3,630
$48k - $75k
$15,062
$6,761
$75k - $110k
$19,306
$12,679
Over $110k
$22,888
$14,522
Outcomes
Graduation rate
49%
50%
Freshman retention
53%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$35,895
$42,105
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,747
$50,220
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
50%
25%
First-generation students
38%
38%
International students
6%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Oct 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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 Kentucky Wesleyan College or Northern Kentucky University harder to get into?
Northern Kentucky University is harder to get into. It admits about 68% of applicants, compared with 72% at Kentucky Wesleyan College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Kentucky Wesleyan 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 $17,131 at Kentucky Wesleyan 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 Kentucky Wesleyan College and Northern Kentucky University?
Before aid, Northern Kentucky University costs about $19,725 a year and Kentucky Wesleyan College about $46,203. 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, Kentucky Wesleyan College or Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,603 there, against about $13,951 at Kentucky Wesleyan College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Kentucky Wesleyan College or Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University is the larger of the two, with about 8,246 undergraduates against 842 at Kentucky Wesleyan College.
Does Kentucky Wesleyan College or Northern Kentucky University have a better graduation rate?
Northern Kentucky University has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 49% at Kentucky Wesleyan College.
Do graduates of Kentucky Wesleyan College or Northern Kentucky University earn more?
Northern Kentucky University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $50,220 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,747 for Kentucky Wesleyan College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Kentucky Wesleyan College and Northern Kentucky University require SAT or ACT scores?
Kentucky Wesleyan College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Northern Kentucky University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Kentucky Wesleyan College and Northern Kentucky University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 890–1130 at Kentucky Wesleyan College and 953–1150 at Northern Kentucky University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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