Northern Kentucky University vs Western Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University is a public university in Highland Heights, KY, and Western Kentucky University is a public university in Bowling Green, KY. Northern Kentucky University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 68% of applicants against 94% at Western Kentucky University. Northern Kentucky University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $8,191 a year against $10,990 at Western Kentucky University. About 55% of students graduate at Western Kentucky University, compared with 50% at Northern Kentucky University. Ten years after enrolling, Northern Kentucky University alumni earn a median of about $50,220, against $43,889 for Western Kentucky University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Highland Heights, KY
Bowling Green, KY
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
8,246
12,155
Acceptance rate
68%
94%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.09–3.59
SAT (middle 50%)
953–1150
840–1050
ACT (middle 50%)
18–25
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$8,191
$10,990
Full cost / yr
$19,725
$24,188
In-state tuition
$11,088
$11,652
Out-of-state tuition
$21,912
$27,000
Application fee
$40
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$2,603
$7,087
$30k - $48k
$3,630
$6,871
$48k - $75k
$6,761
$9,765
$75k - $110k
$12,679
$14,049
Over $110k
$14,522
$17,653
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
55%
Freshman retention
76%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,105
$38,156
Median earnings (10 yr)
$50,220
$43,889
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$22,095
Student body
Pell grant recipients
25%
30%
First-generation students
38%
36%
International students
4%
1%
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 Western Kentucky University harder to get into?
- Northern Kentucky University is harder to get into. It admits about 68% of applicants, compared with 94% at Western 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 Western Kentucky University?
- Northern Kentucky University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $8,191 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $10,990 at Western Kentucky 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 Western Kentucky University?
- Before aid, Northern Kentucky University costs about $19,725 a year and Western Kentucky University about $24,188. 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 Western Kentucky University?
- Northern Kentucky University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,603 there, against about $7,087 at Western Kentucky 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 Western Kentucky University?
- Western Kentucky University is the larger of the two, with about 12,155 undergraduates against 8,246 at Northern Kentucky University.
- Does Northern Kentucky University or Western Kentucky University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Kentucky University has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 50% at Northern Kentucky University.
- Do graduates of Northern Kentucky University or Western Kentucky University earn more?
- Northern Kentucky University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $50,220 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,889 for Western Kentucky University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Northern Kentucky University and Western Kentucky University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Northern Kentucky University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western Kentucky University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Northern Kentucky University and Western Kentucky University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 953–1150 at Northern Kentucky University and 840–1050 at Western Kentucky University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Northern Kentucky University vs Eastern Kentucky UniversityNorthern Kentucky University vs University of LouisvilleNorthern Kentucky University vs Murray State UniversityWestern Kentucky University vs Eastern Kentucky UniversityWestern Kentucky University vs University of LouisvilleWestern Kentucky University vs Murray State University
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