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Morehead State University vs Northern Kentucky University

Morehead State University is a public university in Morehead, KY. Northern Kentucky University is a public university in Highland Heights, KY. Northern Kentucky University admits about 68% of applicants and Morehead State University about 77%, 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 $9,793 at Morehead State University. About 50% of students graduate at both. Ten years after enrolling, Northern Kentucky University alumni earn a median of about $50,220, against $43,197 for Morehead State University.

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Morehead State University

Morehead, KY · Public

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Morehead, KY
Highland Heights, KY
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,578
8,246
Acceptance rate
77%
68%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
948–1223
953–1150
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
18–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,793
$8,191
Full cost / yr
$21,961
$19,725
In-state tuition
$10,024
$11,088
Out-of-state tuition
$14,980
$21,912
Application fee
$30
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,150
$2,603
$30k - $48k
$7,057
$3,630
$48k - $75k
$8,874
$6,761
$75k - $110k
$13,341
$12,679
Over $110k
$15,164
$14,522
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
50%
Freshman retention
65%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$37,131
$42,105
Median earnings (10 yr)
$43,197
$50,220
Median debt at graduation
$22,250
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
25%
First-generation students
41%
38%
International students
3%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
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 Morehead State University or Northern Kentucky University harder to get into?
Northern Kentucky University is harder to get into. It admits about 68% of applicants, compared with 77% at Morehead State 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, Morehead State University or Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $8,191 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $9,793 at Morehead State University. 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 Morehead State University and Northern Kentucky University?
Before aid, Northern Kentucky University costs about $19,725 a year and Morehead State University about $21,961. 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, Morehead State University or Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,603 there, against about $7,150 at Morehead State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Morehead State University or Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University is the larger of the two, with about 8,246 undergraduates against 4,578 at Morehead State University.
Does Morehead State University or Northern Kentucky University have a better graduation rate?
Both graduate about 50% of their students.
Do graduates of Morehead State University 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 $43,197 for Morehead State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Morehead State University and Northern Kentucky University require SAT or ACT scores?
Morehead State University 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 Morehead State University and Northern Kentucky University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 948–1223 at Morehead State University 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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