Overview
Northern Kentucky University is a accessible public four-year institution in Highland Heights, Kentucky. The school accepts 86.0% of applicants and enrolls 8,065 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 86.0%
- Average SAT
- 1,160
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,030–1,290
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 22
- Total Enrollment
- 8,065
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Northern Kentucky University accepts applications through their online portal with a rolling admissions policy, meaning you can apply throughout the year without strict deadlines. You'll need to submit your high school transcript, standardized test scores, and complete the application form. The application fee is waived for online submissions.
The nursing program requires separate admission after completing prerequisite courses, making it significantly more competitive than general admission to the university. You must maintain specific grade requirements in science courses and complete additional application materials. The construction management and industrial production technology programs also have selective admission processes once you declare these majors.
Housing applications open in November for the following fall semester, and you should apply early since residence halls fill quickly. The university requires all first-year students under 21 to live on campus unless they live within commuting distance with family. Campus housing includes traditional residence halls and apartment-style options.
New student orientation occurs during the summer before your first semester and covers course registration, campus resources, and academic planning. You'll meet with an advisor to plan your first semester schedule during orientation, so research potential majors beforehand.
The campus sits just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, giving you access to internships and job opportunities in both Kentucky and Ohio. Many students take advantage of co-op programs, particularly in business and technology fields. The university operates on a semester system with classes starting in late August and January.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $7,168/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $10,896
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $21,480
- Students Receiving Aid
- 24%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.3%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $50,220/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 77.8%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Northern Kentucky University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Northern Kentucky University has a test-optional admissions policy. Students can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University operates on rolling admissions with no specific deadline. Applications are reviewed as they are received throughout the year.
How many transfer credits does Northern Kentucky University accept?
Northern Kentucky University accepts up to 90 transfer credit hours from other accredited institutions. Students must complete at least 30 credit hours at NKU to earn a degree.
Does Northern Kentucky University offer early admission programs?
Northern Kentucky University does not offer early decision or early action programs. All applications are processed through their standard rolling admissions process.