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Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, Kentucky — Nunn Drive, 41099

Annual Tuition $10,896
Enrollment 8,065
Acceptance Rate 96%
Median Salary $50,220

Northern Kentucky University is a leading Public institution located in Highland Heights, Kentucky. Established to provide high-quality education, Northern Kentucky University offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

Northern Kentucky University Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
Location Highland Heights, Kentucky
Type Public
Total Enrollment 8,065 students
Median Salary $50,220

Northern Kentucky University — Institution Overview

Institution Name Northern Kentucky University
Location Highland Heights, Kentucky
Official Website https://www.nku.edu/
Address Nunn Drive
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Institution Type Public
Total Students 8,065

Northern Kentucky University Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 96% Open Admission
Avg. SAT Score 1,114 out of 1600
ACT Midpoint 23 out of 36

SAT Score Breakdown

Section Average 25th %ile 75th %ile
Math 458 560
Evidence-Based Reading 458 573
ACT Math 22 midpoint
ACT English 23 midpoint

Northern Kentucky University Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $10,896
Out-of-State Tuition $21,480
Pell Grant Rate 23.6%
Median Debt (Completers) $23,000

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

Northern Kentucky University cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $1,813/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $3,022/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $6,638/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $11,227/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $1,813 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Admission Chance

Compare your SAT or ACT score with the middle 50% of enrolled students.

96% acceptance rate

Is Northern Kentucky University hard to get into?

SAT score range

916 - 1,133

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Math458 - 560
Reading458 - 573

ACT score range

19 - 25

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Check your admission chances

Enter your score to see whether this school is a reach, target, or safety option.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from Northern Kentucky University, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Human Resources Management and Services. salary after Northern Kentucky University

Master's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $101,406 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $106,262 4yr: $90,566
2

Educational Administration and Supervision. salary after Northern Kentucky University

Doctoral Degree
High earning
2yr salary $94,408 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $99,691
3

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. salary after Northern Kentucky University

Master's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $90,245 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $101,465 4yr: $100,532

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

Northern Kentucky University Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

96% Open Admission

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 8,065
Undergrad 3,031
Retention Rate 77.8% full-time
Full-Time Students 83.1%

Courses and Academic Programs at Northern Kentucky University

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Bachelor's
Graduates 676
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Master's
Graduates 574
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Bachelor's
Graduates 474
Business/Commerce, General.
Master's
Graduates 310
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Bachelor's
Graduates 285
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 272
Law.
First Professional Degree
Graduates 215
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Bachelor's
Graduates 195
Psychology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 195
Human Resources Management and Services.
Bachelor's
Graduates 191
Showing top 10 of 100 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at Northern Kentucky University

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $50,220 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $42,105
Graduation Rate 48.3% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — Northern Kentucky University
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $42,105
10 Years After Entry $50,220
Is Northern Kentucky University Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $7,168
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $50,220
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 614100%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at Northern Kentucky University

Total Students 8,065
Undergrad 3,031
Graduate 5,034
Retention Rate 77.8% full-time

Gender Breakdown

58.9%
41.1%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 83.1%
Part-time
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

White
76.1%
Black
7.4%
Hispanic
4.8%
International
4.1%
Two or More Races
3.5%
Unknown / Unreported
2.2%
Asian
1.9%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.1%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.1%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 22
🎓
First-Generation 38.1%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 57.4%
🎖️
Veterans 0.6%
💍
Married Students 7.1%
📅
Students Age 25+ 16.5%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 33.9%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $63,568
Average Family Income $60,076
Median Family Income $48,195

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

44.7%
55.4%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 23.6% of students
Federal Loan Rate 30.9% of students
Avg Net Price $7,168 after aid
Median Debt $23,000 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $23,000
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $5,500
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $27,000

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact Northern Kentucky University's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Northern Kentucky University Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
4-Year Graduation Rate 48.3%
Median Graduate Salary $50,220
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms Northern Kentucky University meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for Northern Kentucky University

Frequently Asked Questions about Northern Kentucky University

What is the acceptance rate at Northern Kentucky University?

Northern Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 96%, making it an accessible institution with moderate admissions standards.

How much is tuition at Northern Kentucky University?

Tuition at Northern Kentucky University is $10,896 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of Northern Kentucky University?

Graduates of Northern Kentucky University earn a median salary of $50,220 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is Northern Kentucky University located?

Northern Kentucky University is located at Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, Kentucky 41099. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

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