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Northern Kentucky University

NKU

Highland Heights, Kentucky 41099

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Known for business — excellent value

Northern Kentucky University is a public institution in Highland Heights with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1114, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 8.1K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.

48% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $50,220 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $7,168.

Established
1968
Mascot
Victor E. Viking
Type
Public university
Division
Division I
96%Acceptance
1114SAT Avg
8,065Students
18:1Student:Faculty
48%Grad Rate
$50,220Earnings 10yr
$7,168Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Northern Kentucky University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate96.0%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1114

Reading & WritingMid: 535
458573
MathMid: 562
458560

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 23
1925

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

96.0%

Trend

SAT Avg

1114

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$10,896
Tuition (out-of-state)$21,480
Room & Board$11,660
Books & Supplies$800
Total Cost of Attendance$19,471
Average Net Price$7,168
Median Debt at Graduation$23,000
Monthly Payment (10yr)$244

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$1,813
$30–48K$3,022
$48–75K$6,638
$75–110K$11,227
$110K+$13,270

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$7,168

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

6900.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$15,159

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

56

Peer Average

92

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Programs (120)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
8,065
Gender Split
59% / 41%
Women / Men
First Generation
38%
Pell Grant Recipients
24%

Race & Ethnicity

White 76%
Black 7%
Hispanic 5%
Asian 2%
Two+ 3%
Int'l 4%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate48.3%
Freshman Retention77.8%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$42,105
8 Years$46,837
10 Years$50,220

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$37,900
Men
$47,600

Rankings

U.S. News
#382
Washington Monthly
#338

More About This School

Varsity Sports

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

91Average

Estimated from KY state average + suburban adjustment

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Columbuspop. 900K
101 mi(175 min)
Indianapolispop. 880K
104 mi(180 min)
Clevelandpop. 370K
225 mi(390 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Northern Kentucky University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications