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Northern Kentucky University vs Georgetown College: which has better ROI?

Public, Highland Heights KY · vs · Private nonprofit, Georgetown KY

The verdict

Georgetown College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $56,380 in 15.2 years versus 17.6 years at Northern Kentucky University, on median earnings of $52,074 vs $50,220 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureNorthern Kentucky UniversityGeorgetown College
Net price / yr$8,191$14,095
Total net cost$32,764$56,380
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,220$52,074
Median debt$23,000$25,200
Payback17.6 yrs15.2 yrs
20-year net return$4,436$17,900

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Northern Kentucky University or Georgetown College?

Northern Kentucky University, at $8,191 a year after aid versus $14,095 — a gap of $5,904 a year, or $23,616 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Northern Kentucky University or Georgetown College graduates earn more?

Georgetown College graduates report a median $52,074 ten years after entry, $1,854 more than the $50,220 at Northern Kentucky University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Northern Kentucky University or Georgetown College?

Northern Kentucky University: its completers carry a median $23,000 in federal loans versus $25,200 at Georgetown College, a difference of $2,200. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

52% of students finish at Northern Kentucky University, against 49% at Georgetown College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Northern Kentucky University vs Georgetown College: frequently asked questions

Is Northern Kentucky University or Georgetown College a better value?
Georgetown College. It clears its $56,380 net cost in about 15.2 years versus 17.6 years at Northern Kentucky University, on median earnings of $52,074 vs $50,220 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Northern Kentucky University or Georgetown College?
Northern Kentucky University: $8,191/yr net price after aid versus $14,095/yr at Georgetown College — a difference of $5,904 a year, or about $23,616 over four years.
Do Northern Kentucky University or Georgetown College graduates earn more?
Georgetown College graduates earn a median $52,074 ten years after entry, versus $50,220 at Northern Kentucky University — a $1,854 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.