University of the Cumberlands vs Northern Kentucky University
University of the Cumberlands is a private university in Williamsburg, KY, and Northern Kentucky University is a public university in Highland Heights, KY. Northern Kentucky University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 68% of applicants against 99% at University of the Cumberlands. Northern Kentucky University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $8,191 a year against $14,107 at University of the Cumberlands. About 50% of students graduate at Northern Kentucky University, compared with 48% at University of the Cumberlands. Ten years after enrolling, Northern Kentucky University alumni earn a median of about $50,220, against $45,036 for University of the Cumberlands.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Williamsburg, KY
Highland Heights, KY
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
6,941
8,246
Acceptance rate
99%
68%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1160
953–1150
ACT (middle 50%)
16–23
18–25
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,107
$8,191
Full cost / yr
$25,567
$19,725
In-state tuition
$9,875
$11,088
Out-of-state tuition
$9,875
$21,912
Application fee
Not reported
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,736
$2,603
$30k - $48k
$11,147
$3,630
$48k - $75k
$12,572
$6,761
$75k - $110k
$16,441
$12,679
Over $110k
$18,846
$14,522
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
50%
Freshman retention
74%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,046
$42,105
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,036
$50,220
Median debt at graduation
$14,911
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
53%
25%
First-generation students
40%
38%
International students
2%
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.
- Is University of the Cumberlands or Northern Kentucky University harder to get into?
- Northern Kentucky University is harder to get into. It admits about 68% of applicants, compared with 99% at University of the Cumberlands. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, University of the Cumberlands or Northern Kentucky University?
- Northern Kentucky University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $8,191 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,107 at University of the Cumberlands. 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 University of the Cumberlands and Northern Kentucky University?
- Before aid, Northern Kentucky University costs about $19,725 a year and University of the Cumberlands about $25,567. 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, University of the Cumberlands or Northern Kentucky University?
- Northern Kentucky University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,603 there, against about $10,736 at University of the Cumberlands. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of the Cumberlands or Northern Kentucky University?
- Northern Kentucky University is the larger of the two, with about 8,246 undergraduates against 6,941 at University of the Cumberlands.
- Does University of the Cumberlands or Northern Kentucky University have a better graduation rate?
- Northern Kentucky University has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 48% at University of the Cumberlands.
- Do graduates of University of the Cumberlands 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 $45,036 for University of the Cumberlands. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of the Cumberlands and Northern Kentucky University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of the Cumberlands is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Northern Kentucky University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of the Cumberlands and Northern Kentucky University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1160 at University of the Cumberlands and 953–1150 at Northern Kentucky University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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