At $7,168/yr net price, Northern Kentucky University graduates earn $50,220/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,220/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,168 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,672 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,220/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,220/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,813/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,022/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,638/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,227/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,270/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $101,406 | $40,705 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $94,408 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $90,245 | $40,975 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $82,440 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $81,333 | $29,830 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $67,420 | $26,000 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $17,875 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $61,516 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,534 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $59,071 | $22,925 |
The Risk Factor
48.3% of students at Northern Kentucky University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Northern Kentucky University runs cheap and pays back at a moderate level. Your net price of $7,168 a year is low for a public four-year, and median debt sits at a manageable $23,000. But the median earnings ten years out land near $50,000, which is fine, not great, and the 48% graduation rate is the real threat to your return.
The programs that pay off here are technical and applied. Industrial Production Technologies tops the list at over $67,000, and Construction Management is the smartest bet on paper: high pay with the lowest debt of any top program at under $18,000. Computing and management information systems both clear $56,000, and nursing sits just above $55,000. These majors put you well above the school median. If you enroll in a field outside this technical-and-health cluster, expect earnings closer to that median, and possibly below it.
The biggest risk is finishing at all. Fewer than half of you graduate, and 22% don't return after year one. Debt without a degree is the worst outcome this school can hand you, and the low net price does not protect you from it.
The net price tiers make this school a strong deal for lower-income families. Under $30,000 in household income, you pay about $1,813 a year. between $30,000 and $48,000, about $3,022. Above $110,000, your price jumps to $13,270, which changes the math considerably.
NKU is a good financial fit if you come from a lower-income household and commit to a technical, computing, or nursing major. Look elsewhere if you're paying the top-tier price for a lower-earning field, or if you're unsure you'll finish, since the graduation odds here are close to a coin flip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern Kentucky University worth the cost?
Northern Kentucky University offers strong value with a low net price of $7,168 per year and median debt of just $23,000. However, the 48% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degree, which significantly impacts ROI for those who don't graduate.
What are the best paying majors at Northern Kentucky University?
Human Resources Management leads earnings at $101,406 annually, followed by Educational Administration at $94,408 and Nursing at $90,245. These programs offer strong returns compared to the school's overall average of $50,220.
How much debt do Northern Kentucky University graduates have?
NKU graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low annual net price of $7,168 helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
Does Northern Kentucky University have a good graduation rate?
Northern Kentucky University's 48% graduation rate is below average and represents a significant risk factor. Students who don't graduate miss out on the degree premium and may struggle to repay loans with lower earnings.