About

About Northern Kentucky University

public doctoral universityhigh acceptance ratehealth sciences focusbusiness and tech programs

Northern Kentucky University is a public university in Highland Heights, KY, known for its public doctoral university, high acceptance rate, and health sciences focus. With an acceptance rate of 86%, NKU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 1,638 students each year. NKU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 920–1130, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. NKU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $12,812 per year; the sticker price of $35,202 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Northern Kentucky University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

86%
Overall Accept Rate
3.25
Typical Admitted GPA
1025
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.00 – 3.75 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 920 – 1130 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 19 – 25

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Northern Kentucky University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
NKU has an 86% acceptance rate and reviews applications on a rolling basis, so submit your application as early as possible in the fall to get your decision and any merit aid offers before funds run out.
Financial Aid — High Impact
NKU awards automatic merit scholarships based on GPA and test scores, so check the scholarship grid on their website before you apply and make sure your academic profile is clearly reflected in your application.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Northern Kentucky University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$35k/yr$2.6k
30k-48k~$35k/yr$3.6k
48k-75k~$35k/yr$6.8k
75k-110k~$35k/yr$12.7k
110k+~$35k/yr$14.5k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

48%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$42k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
8,748
Undergrad Enrollment
Northern Kentucky University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch