NKU Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at NKU is 86%.  Its admission rate is the 17th lowest in Kentucky.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into NKU and can you get accepted?

Northern Kentucky University is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 5,939 out of the 6,905 who applied were admitted.

Northern Kentucky University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.42. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 28% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into NKU?

86% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Northern Kentucky University you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.42 or better
• Earn B+ grades in high school
• Score 1160 on the SAT
• Score 22 on the ACT
• Graduate in the top half of your high school class

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into Northern Kentucky University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into NKU are to have around a 3.42 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.

If your high school grades are above the average 3.42 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as NKU accepts 86% of applicants.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at NKU is 3.42 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #14 in Kentucky for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since NKU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.4 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Northern Kentucky University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 8% of students submitted SAT scores and 77% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Northern Kentucky University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at NKU is 1160 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1030-1290. Students who get into Northern Kentucky University score in the top 55 percent of all SAT test takers..  NKU ranks #8 in the state of Kentucky for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1160 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. NKU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1030 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1030, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 900, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Northern Kentucky University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1160 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1160, you have around a 86% chance of being admitted. A 1290 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 92% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into NKU?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to NKU is 22, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 19 and 25.  The school ranks #10 in Kentucky for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 22. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 19 and score in the score in the top 56 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 16.

Scoring well on the ACT is very important as 77 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Northern Kentucky University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Northern Kentucky University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into NKU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 22 score has around 86% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 92% with a 25 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

75% of Northern Kentucky University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 41% are in the top quarter.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Northern Kentucky University is $40.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Northern Kentucky University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Northern Kentucky University is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.42 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1160 and ACT of 22 will almost guarantee your admission.