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University of Louisville and Northern Kentucky University are both public institutions — University of Louisville in Louisville, KY and Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Louisville, KY · Public
Acceptance rate: 79.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 14,727
Tuition: $29,482/year
Student-faculty ratio: 14.0:1
Graduation rate: 61.2%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Education
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Louisville, KY with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
Highland Heights, KY · Public
Acceptance rate: 67.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 8,246
Tuition: $21,912/year
Student-faculty ratio: 19.0:1
Graduation rate: 52.2%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Computer science
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Highland Heights, KY with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
| Factor | University of Louisville | Northern Kentucky University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 79.4% | 67.7% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1040–1270 |
| 953–1150 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 19–27 | 18–25 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 14,727 | 8,246 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $29,482/year | $21,912/year |
| Average net price after aid | $17,988 | $8,191 |
| Graduation rate | 61.2% | 52.2% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $53,899 | $50,220 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 14.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Louisville, KY | Highland Heights, KY |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Health professions, Education | Business and marketing, Health professions, Computer science |
Northern Kentucky University is more selective (67.7% vs 79.4% acceptance rate). Northern Kentucky University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($8,191 vs $17,988). University of Louisville reports the higher graduation rate (61.2% vs 52.2%). University of Louisville is the larger undergraduate campus (14,727 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between University of Louisville and Northern Kentucky University
University of Louisville has an acceptance rate of 79.4%; Northern Kentucky University is around 67.7%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of Louisville tuition is $29,482/year. Northern Kentucky University is $21,912/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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