Northern Kentucky University
About Northern Kentucky University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Northern Kentucky University is a public university in Highland Heights, Kentucky, in the Cincinnati metro area. It offers programs in business, health sciences, informatics, and education and benefits from its proximity to Cincinnati's job market.
Founded
1968
Location
Highland Heights, Kentucky
Students
13,430
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
67.7%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
52.2%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$11,088
Out-of-state: $21,912
Avg Net Price
$8,191
After financial aid
SAT Average
1087
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$50,220
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
67.7 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$40
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Northern Kentucky University accepts 67.7% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1087/ 1600
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
52.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
75.5%
4-Year Grad
31%
6-Year Grad
50%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
54.8%
$/Student
$9.6K
Class Size
Medium
The 31% graduation rate is below average, but 75.5% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$11,088
In-State
$21,912
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,712
Books & Supplies
$800
Total Cost of Attendance
$19,725
After Financial Aid
$8,191
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$2,603
Receive Grants
25.2%
Take Loans
31%
The full cost of attendance is about $19,725/yr for in-state students, including $12,712 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $8,191. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $21,912.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Northern Kentucky University fund their education.
While in School
25.2%
Get Grants
Free money
31%
Take Loans
Must repay
$48,195
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$244/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 31% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $23,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Northern Kentucky University.
Gender
58.6%
Female
41%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
8,246
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
5,184
Graduates
38.1%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
16.5%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 59% of the student body. 38.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
8,246
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Northern Kentucky University fields 10 varsity teams with 482 student athletes, about 6% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Horizon League
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
482
6% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
46% / 54%
220
Men
262
Women
8
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Northern Kentucky Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$50,220
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$45K
341 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$69K
231 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$62K
139 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$38K
131 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$36K
92 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
$59K
78 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $42K six years out, growing to $50K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Northern Kentucky University
What is the acceptance rate at Northern Kentucky University?▾
How much does Northern Kentucky University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Northern Kentucky University?▾
How much do Northern Kentucky University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.