Northern Kentucky University Admissions

ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, Financial Aid, Tuition, Graduation Rate & More

Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University. Samvscat / Wikimedia Commons
by Allen Grove
Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with 20 years of experience helping students transition to college.
Updated October 25, 2017

Northern Kentucky University Admissions Overview:

Northern Kentucky is an accessible school--in 2016, the acceptance rate was 92%. Those with good grades and test scores are likely to get into the school. Along with an application, interested students will need to submit scores from the SAT or ACT and official high school transcripts. 

Will You Get In?

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Admissions Data (2016):

Northern Kentucky University Description:

Though a fast-growing public university, Northern Kentucky University takes pride in having the type of intimate feel a student is more likely to encounter at a private institution. Located in the quiet suburb of Highland Heights, the metropolitan center of Cincinnati is just seven miles away. NKU values a personal, hands-on education in which professors know their students' names, an effort that is supported by a student / faculty ratio of 17 to 1. No graduate assistants teach any courses. The university's emphasis on quality teaching helps the school push towards its goal of molding its students into the leaders of tomorrow.

On the student life front, NKU has over 200 clubs and organizations. Formerly part of the NCCA Division II, after winning 22 regional titles, NKU has advanced into Division I, and now the Norse compete in the Horizon League.

Enrollment (2016):

  • Total Enrollment: 14,542 (12,380 undergraduates)
  • Gender Breakdown: 43% Male / 57% Female
  • 74% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

  • Tuition and Fees: $9,384 (in-state); $18,384 (out-of-state)
  • Books: $800 (why so much?)
  • Room and Board: $9,526
  • Other Expenses: $2,500
  • Total Cost: $22,210 (in-state); $31,210 (out-of-state)

Northern Kentucky University Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 96%
  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
    • Grants: 87%
    • Loans: 58%
  • Average Amount of Aid
    • Grants: $7,913
    • Loans: $5,461

Academic Programs:

Transfer, Graduation and Retention Rates:

  • First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 72%
  • 4-Year Graduation Rate: 15%
  • 6-Year Graduation Rate: 38%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

  • Men's Sports: Tennis, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Golf, Track and Field
  • Women's Sports: Volleyball, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Basketball, Cross Country

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

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