Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Highland Heights, Kentucky |
| Online | nku.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Founded in 1968, Northern Kentucky University (NKU) is a public institution situated in Highland Heights, Kentucky, just seven miles southeast of Cincinnati, Ohio. The university's campus showcases modern architecture and boasts a number of facilities that cater to student life, including options for on-campus housing. NKU provides an array of academic offerings, with notable programs in areas such as business, education, and health professions. While the university operates with a less selective admissions process, it upholds a commitment to academic quality. NKU's sports teams, known as the Norse, participate at the NCAA Division I level, primarily competing in the Horizon League, highlighting a particularly strong presence in men's and women's basketball.
In the most recent statistical year 6,905 prospective students applied, and 5,939 were granted admission. Of those admitted 1,638 enrolled in the school. 8,633 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 7,168 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $10,208 plus fees of $384. NKU is ranked 805 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
NKU is rated within the lower 40% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Northern Kentucky University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#805 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#295 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#9 in Best Colleges in Kentucky
#4 in Best Public Colleges in Kentucky
#36 in Best Value Colleges in Kentucky
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1030/1290 |
| ACT | 19/25 |
| GPA | 3.42 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $40 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Kentucky Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Other Fees | $384 |
| Room and Board | $11,248 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,500 |
| Total One Year Cost | $25,140 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Other Fees | $384 |
| Room and Board | $11,248 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,500 |
| Total One Year Cost | $35,396 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 26% |
| Health Professions | 11% |
| Education | 9% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 7% |
| Social Sciences | 6% |
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Students considering NKU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Northern Kentucky University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=157447 IPEDS survey data for Northern Kentucky University.
Current students may use the Northern Kentucky University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024