Northern Kentucky University vs Union Commonwealth University
Northern Kentucky University is a public university in Highland Heights, KY, and Union Commonwealth University is a private university in Barbourville, KY. Union Commonwealth University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 63% of applicants against 68% at Northern Kentucky University. Northern Kentucky University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $8,191 a year against $21,311 at Union Commonwealth University. About 50% of students graduate at Northern Kentucky University, compared with 34% at Union Commonwealth University. Ten years after enrolling, Northern Kentucky University alumni earn a median of about $50,220, against $42,002 for Union Commonwealth University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Highland Heights, KY
Barbourville, KY
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
8,246
746
Acceptance rate
68%
63%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
953–1150
920–1105
ACT (middle 50%)
18–25
15–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$8,191
$21,311
Full cost / yr
$19,725
$44,322
In-state tuition
$11,088
$30,946
Out-of-state tuition
$21,912
$30,946
Application fee
$40
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$2,603
$12,214
$30k - $48k
$3,630
$14,368
$48k - $75k
$6,761
$15,774
$75k - $110k
$12,679
$44,322
Over $110k
$14,522
$44,322
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
34%
Freshman retention
76%
64%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,105
$36,529
Median earnings (10 yr)
$50,220
$42,002
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$24,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
25%
53%
First-generation students
38%
41%
International students
4%
18%
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.
- Is Northern Kentucky University or Union Commonwealth University harder to get into?
- Union Commonwealth University is harder to get into. It admits about 63% 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, Northern Kentucky University or Union Commonwealth University?
- Northern Kentucky University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $8,191 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,311 at Union Commonwealth 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 Northern Kentucky University and Union Commonwealth University?
- Before aid, Northern Kentucky University costs about $19,725 a year and Union Commonwealth University about $44,322. 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, Northern Kentucky University or Union Commonwealth University?
- Northern Kentucky University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,603 there, against about $12,214 at Union Commonwealth University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Northern Kentucky University or Union Commonwealth University?
- Northern Kentucky University is the larger of the two, with about 8,246 undergraduates against 746 at Union Commonwealth University.
- Does Northern Kentucky University or Union Commonwealth University have a better graduation rate?
- Northern Kentucky University has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 34% at Union Commonwealth University.
- Do graduates of Northern Kentucky University or Union Commonwealth University earn more?
- Northern Kentucky University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $50,220 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,002 for Union Commonwealth University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Northern Kentucky University and Union Commonwealth University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Northern Kentucky University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Union Commonwealth University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Northern Kentucky University and Union Commonwealth University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 953–1150 at Northern Kentucky University and 920–1105 at Union Commonwealth University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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