Northern Kentucky University is a public 4-year college in Highland Heights, Kentucky with 8,246 undergraduates. It admits 68% of applicants, costs an average of $8,976 a year after grants and graduates 54% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Northern Kentucky University acceptance rate and admissions
Northern Kentucky University admitted 68% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 473 to 590, math 480 to 560). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Northern Kentucky University application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Regular decision | Jul 28, 2027 |
Next deadline: Regular decision, Jul 28, 2027. Application fee through the Common App: free for U.S. applicants ($40 for international applicants). Confirm dates on Northern Kentucky University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Northern Kentucky University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $11,496 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26) | $22,752 |
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $12,924 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $19,772 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $8,976 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $8,976 a year after grants and scholarships, $10,796 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Northern Kentucky University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Northern Kentucky University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 54% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $55,024 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $20,750 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 38% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Northern Kentucky University majors and what graduates earn
Northern Kentucky University awarded bachelor's degrees in 56 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from industrial production technologies/technicians ($88,492).
All 56 majors at Northern Kentucky University
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Northern Kentucky University
28 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 28 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | Master's | 625 | $105,703 | $46,546 |
| Business | Master's | 453 | $91,837 | $30,035 |
| Law | Professional doctorate | 126 | $61,985 | $106,454 |
| Nursing | Professional doctorate | 99 | n/a | n/a |
| Social work | Master's | 92 | $52,322 | $46,714 |
| Accounting | Master's | 61 | $66,323 | $27,725 |
| IT and network administration | Master's | 45 | n/a | $30,810 |
| Education leadership | Master's | 41 | $61,564 | $21,200 |
| Teacher education by grade level | Master's | 41 | $48,770 | $17,731 |
| Health administration | Master's | 27 | n/a | $32,500 |
| Information science | Master's | 17 | n/a | n/a |
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Master's | 17 | $69,781 | n/a |
| History | Master's | 17 | n/a | n/a |
| Education leadership | Doctoral | 16 | $88,698 | n/a |
| Education | Master's | 15 | n/a | $32,151 |
| Legal studies | Master's | 15 | n/a | n/a |
| Mental health counseling | Master's | 15 | $48,127 | n/a |
| Medical Illustration and Informatics | Master's | 14 | $84,212 | n/a |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | Master's | 13 | $51,041 | n/a |
| Allied health (PA, radiography, therapy and more) | Master's | 13 | n/a | n/a |
| Public administration | Master's | 11 | $55,692 | n/a |
| English | Master's | 9 | n/a | n/a |
| Human resources | Master's | 9 | n/a | n/a |
| Communication | Master's | 6 | n/a | n/a |
| School counseling and student services | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Computer science | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Liberal arts and general studies | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Health professions, general | Master's | 2 | $67,400 | n/a |
Students and location
- 8,246 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 59% women, 41% men
- 19 students for every faculty member
- Setting: large suburb
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University admitted 68% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Northern Kentucky University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $11,496 for in-state students and $22,752 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $8,976 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Northern Kentucky University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 473 to 590 in reading and writing and 480 to 560 in math, and 18 to 25 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Northern Kentucky University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Northern Kentucky University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Northern Kentucky University?
54% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Northern Kentucky University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $55,024 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Kentucky · Northern Kentucky University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.