Northern Kentucky University campus

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NKU Demographics & Diversity

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  • Highland Heights, KY
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#4 Best Public Universities in Kentucky
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Racial Demographics & Diversity

Racial Diversity

Racial Diversity

Very Low

Racial Diversity Index: 31%

Racial diversity is the chance that two students chosen at random are from different racial or ethnic groups, using the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index. Students at NKU are mostly White with a small Black population. The school has very low racial diversity. 18% percent of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The ethnic breakdown is detailed in the following table.

Racial demographics of Northern Kentucky University students
Race Percent of Students
White
82%
Black
7%
Hispanic
3%
Asian
1%
American Indian / Alaskan
0%
Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2%
International
3%
Race Unknown
1%

Gender Demographics & Diversity

Gender Diversity

Gender Diversity

Very High

Gender Diversity Index: 47%

There are 69% more female students than male students enrolled at Northern Kentucky University with a gender ratio of 63% women to 37% men. Compared to the US average of 56% female students, NKU has a higher gender diversity than other US colleges and is very inclusive of both genders.

Male to female gender ratio for Northern Kentucky University students
Gender Percent of Students
Men
37%
Women
63%
Enrollment by gender for Northern Kentucky University students
Gender Number of Students
Men
5,697
Women
9,650

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Very Low

Geographic Diversity Index: 30%

NKU draws 69 percent of students from Kentucky, 29 percent from other states, and 1 percent from other countries. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside Kentucky, including other U.S. states and other countries.

Enrollment by geographic location for Northern Kentucky University students
Origin Percent of Students
In State
69%
Out of State
29%
Foreign
1%
Unknown Location
0%

Economic Diversity

Median Household Income

Median Household Income

$63,568 per year

36% of students can be considered low-income as indicated by their receipt of Federal Pell Grant Aid.

Total Enrollment

Total Enrollment

Total enrollment

15,347
Share of undergraduates by age and part-time status
Segment Percent of Students
Students Over 25 Years Old 21.4%
Part-time undergraduates 18.4%

Other Colleges to Consider

Students applying to Northern Kentucky University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=157447.

Racial and gender diversity ratings use the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index (Gini-Simpson): the probability that two students chosen at random belong to different groups. See the Census method note, Measuring Racial and Ethnic Diversity for the 2020 Census. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside the college's home state (other U.S. states plus international). IPEDS does not publish enrollment by individual state of residence.

Last updated: August 2026