Academic Comparison between NKU and Spalding

Northern Kentucky University and Spalding University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. NKU is a four-year, public school located in Highland Heights, KY and Spalding is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Louisville, KY.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • NKU is a public and Spalding is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Spalding has more expensive tuition & fees ($29,000) than NKU ($21,912).
  • It is harder to admit to NKU than Spalding.
  • NKU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,040) than Spalding (965).
  • NKU has higher submitted ACT score (21) than Spalding (18).
  • NKU has more students with 15,347 students while Spalding has 1,553 students.
  • Spalding has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while NKU's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • NKU has more full-time faculties with 533 faculties while Spalding has 101 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northern Kentucky Universityvs.Spalding University
Highland Heights, KentuckyLocationLouisville, Kentucky
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$11,088
Out-Of-State$21,912
2025 Tuition & Fees$29,000
86%% Receiving Financial Aid88%
$8,760Average Amount of Financial Aid$14,588
67.65 %Acceptance Rates99.45 %
36.85 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)15.63 %
1,040SAT Score965
21ACT Score18
52 %Graduation Rate52 %
-Transfer-out Rate31 %
76 %Retention Rate64 %
15,347Student Population1,553
533Number of Faculties101
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio9 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services