Highland Heights, KY · Public · 4-year
Northern Kentucky University has a 96.0% acceptance rate. Northern Kentucky University is a public 4-year institution in Highland Heights, KY, with a median SAT of 1040 and a median ACT of 21. The average net price is $8,191 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.
96.0%
6,417 applicants
1040
Combined score
21
Composite score
$8,191
After financial aid
Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Northern Kentucky University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:
| Test | 25th percentile | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT (total, 400–1600) | 916 | 1040 | 1150 |
| ACT (composite, 1–36) | 19 | 21 | 25 |
50.2%
75.5%
$50,220
8,246
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Northern Kentucky University:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 – $30,000 | $2,603 |
| $30,001 – $48,000 | $3,630 |
| $48,001 – $75,000 | $6,761 |
| $75,001 – $110,000 | $12,679 |
| $110,000+ | $14,522 |
| Major | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|
| Business, Management & Marketing | 444 |
| Health Professions | 378 |
| Computer & Information Sciences | 143 |
| Biological & Biomedical Sciences | 135 |
| Communication & Journalism | 128 |
| Psychology | 128 |
| Education | 123 |
| Visual & Performing Arts | 101 |
| Liberal Arts & General Studies | 56 |
| Social Sciences | 56 |
Official website: https://www.nku.edu/
Admissions: https://nku.edu/admissions.html
Northern Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 96%. it received about 6,417 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1040; the average net price is $8,191 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Northern Kentucky University for free using your GPA and test scores.
Getting into Northern Kentucky University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 96% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1040. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Northern Kentucky University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.
Admitted students at Northern Kentucky University typically have a median SAT around 1040 and a median ACT around 21. With a 96% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.
The average net price at Northern Kentucky University is $8,191 per year after grants and scholarships. about 99% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $11,492 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.
Northern Kentucky University has a graduation rate of 50%. its first-year retention rate is 76%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $50,220. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Northern Kentucky University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.
For the 2025–26 cycle, Northern Kentucky University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1040. With a 96% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Northern Kentucky University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.
Midway, KY · 95% acceptance
San Francisco, CA · 52% acceptance
Cape Girardeau, MO · 78% acceptance
Austin, TX · 91% acceptance
Stephenville, TX · 94% acceptance
San Antonio, TX · 93% acceptance
Berea, KY · 33% acceptance
Danville, KY · 54% acceptance
Owensboro, KY · 35% acceptance
Jackson, KY · 36% acceptance
Lexington, KY · 85% acceptance
Georgetown, KY · 74% acceptance
All 3,500+ universities · Most affordable colleges · Best value colleges · Test-optional colleges · Engineering programs · Computer science programs · Highest graduation rates · Compare planning tools
Check Your Admission Chances at Northern Kentucky University — Free