Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University is a public university in Highland Heights, KY ranked #756 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 8,065 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 96.0%. Students most often pursue Construction Management and Management Information Systems and Services.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, 77.8% first-year retention, and 48.3% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $7,168, about $9,830 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 46.9%, roughly 38.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $42,105. That's about $1,583 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Northern Kentucky University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Northern Kentucky University graduates 48.3% of students within six years and keeps 77.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Northern Kentucky University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $10,896 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,660 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,500 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $19,471 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 23.5% of Northern Kentucky University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $1,813 annually, while high-income families pay $13,270. Use Northern Kentucky University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $11,227/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $13,270/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $42,105
- 10-Year Median Earnings $42,105
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,159
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 54.6%
- Employment Rate 91.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Northern Kentucky University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Northern Kentucky University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Northern Kentucky University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Northern Kentucky University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Northern Kentucky University graduates earn $42,105 median, the 46.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 458-573
- SAT Math 458-560
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 19-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 8,065
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 77.8%
- Graduation Rate 48.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
How to Get Into Northern Kentucky University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Northern Kentucky University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 96.0%, Northern Kentucky University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 96.0% acceptance rate, Northern Kentucky University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 916 and 1133 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Northern Kentucky University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 13.3%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 9.7%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 6.7%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 6.1%
- Human Resources Management and Services 4.8%
- Psychology, General 4.2%
See more majors
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 4.0%
- Biology, General 3.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Construction Management $89,765
- 2. Management Information Systems and Services $88,946
- 3. Computer and Information Sciences, General $86,745
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians $84,729
- 5. Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians $80,544
- 6. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $74,867
- 7. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $70,920
- 8. Accounting and Related Services $69,638
- 9. Finance and Financial Management Services $69,586
- 10. Mathematics $68,890
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $138,264
- 2. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $114,221
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $106,573
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $99,691
- 5. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $97,238
- 6. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $85,876
- 7. Information Science/Studies (Master's Degree) $85,634
- 8. Law (First Professional Degree) $83,680
- 9. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $72,569
- 10. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $66,621
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Construction Management grads earn $89,765—30% more than Mathematics ($68,890). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $138,264 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Northern Kentucky University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 154 graduates)
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 141 graduates)
- Law (First Professional Degree, 115 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 83 graduates)
- Social Work (Master's Degree, 70 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (42 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biology, General
- Social Work
- Journalism
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- English Language and Literature, General
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Mathematics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Chemistry
- Business/Commerce, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Music
- Design and Applied Arts
- Political Science and Government
- Social Sciences, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Marketing
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Physics
- Anthropology
- Statistics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Geography and Cartography
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Philosophy
- Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
Online Master's Degrees (15 programs)â–¼
- Social Work
- Public Administration
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- History
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Computer Science
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Communication and Media Studies
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (16 programs)â–¼
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Literature
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geography and Cartography
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (5 programs)â–¼
- Geography and Cartography
- Music
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Computer Software and Media Applications
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 8,065
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 41.1%
- Female Students 58.9%
- Caucasian 76.1%
- Asian 1.8%
- Hispanic 4.8%
- Black 7.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 23.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Northern Kentucky University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Northern Kentucky University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Northern Kentucky University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Northern Kentucky University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 76.1% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 23.5% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Northern Kentucky University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Northern Kentucky University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Northern Kentucky University serves as a highly accessible university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #756 nationally with a 46.9% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $7,168 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $42,105 median earnings. The 48.3% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 77.8% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Northern Kentucky University's Strengths
Ranked #756 with a B grade, Northern Kentucky University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Northern Kentucky University excel at providing affordable education ($7,168 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Northern Kentucky University's 77.8% retention and 48.3% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($42,105 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Northern Kentucky University's 46.9% ROI and $7,168 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 48.3% six-year graduation rate sits 14.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 77.8% first-year retention is 1.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 46.9% return on investment is 38.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $42,105 run about 4% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $7,168 is roughly $12,742 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 77.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.2% employment rate within three years sits 23.0 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 23.5% trails the national share by 9.9 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Northern Kentucky University is a public university based in Highland Heights, KY and earns a B overall grade. It is currently ranked #756 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion B-, Support B-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
77.8% of learners come back after year one while 48.3% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures 46.9% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $7,168 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $19,471.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $12,303 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,159 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 23.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $42,105 six years after enrollment. That sits about 4% below the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 91.2%.
Plan around an ROI of about 46.9% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
96.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Northern Kentucky University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Highland Heights, KY 41099
- Website www.nku.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$119.8M