NKU Academic Snapshot
Admission Selectiveness:
- Admission Rate: 67.65%. Moderately selective, indicating a less competitive admission process.
- SAT Average: 1040. Average SAT scores, indicating a moderately competitive applicant pool.
Tuition Overview:
- In-State Tuition: $11,088
- Out-of-State Tuition: $21,912
- In-state tuition is affordable, while out-of-state tuition is higher, as is typical for public institutions.
Student Population at NKU:
- Total Enrollment: 15,347, including 6,624 online students
- 10,163 Undergraduate, 5,184 Graduate
- Gender Distribution: 37.1% men, 62.9% women.
- This is a large institution, providing extensive academic options and vibrant campus life.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 52%. Moderate graduation rate, typical for many institutions.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 76%. Good retention, typical for many institutions.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 131 academic programs available.
- Online Programs: 10 programs available fully online.
- Graduate Programs: 32 graduate-level programs offered.
- Special Programs: Law School, Health Professions.
- Degrees Awarded: Certificate, Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctor's.
NKU Overview
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) is a four-year, public school located in Highland Heights, KY. It is classified as Doctoral / Research University by Carnegie Classification, also known as D/PU (Doctoral/Professional University). You can compare their tuition and admission statistics at D/PU (Doctoral/Professional University) comparison page.
The NKU's tuition & fees is $11,088 for Kentucky residents and $21,912 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 86% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $8,760.
The school has a total enrollment of 15,347 and the students to faculty ratio is 19 to 1 (5.26%).
NKU's acceptance rate is 67.65% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 36.85%. The median SAT score is 1040 and the ACT score is 21.
NKU ranked 6th in Kentucky Colleges rankings. Northern Kentucky University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of Northern Kentucky University is $11,088 for in-state students and $21,912 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $10,788 for in-state students and $16,350 for out-of-state students.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $11,283 for Kentucky residents and $22,353 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $10,990 for Kentucky residents and $16,662 for out-of-state students.
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $11,088 | $21,912 |
|---|
| Graduate | $10,788 | $16,350 |
|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $11,283 | $22,353 |
|---|
| Graduate | $10,990 | $16,662 |
|---|
The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
Northern Kentucky University offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers teacher certification programs designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers.
Special Learning Opportunities at NKU
| Learning Opportunities |
|---|
| ROTC | Army, Air Force |
|---|
| Weekend/Evening College | Yes |
|---|
| Teacher Certification | Yes |
|---|
| Study Abroad | Yes |
|---|
| On-Campus Services |
|---|
| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
|---|
| Employment services for students | Yes |
|---|
| Placement services for completers | Yes |
|---|
| On-campus day care for students' children | Yes |
|---|
Northern Kentucky University Directory Information
Tools for analyzing and comparing NKU