Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Highland Heights, Kentucky |
| Online | nku.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Northern Kentucky University sits on a suburban campus in Highland Heights, Kentucky, located seven miles southeast of Cincinnati, Ohio. The public institution, established in 1968, occupies a 400-acre campus characterized by modern brick buildings and limestone architecture typical of the region. NKU's academic offerings are anchored by its business, education, and informatics programs, with the Chase College of Law serving as the institution's only professional school. The university maintains six residential facilities housing students on campus, primarily serving first-year and sophomore students. As a member of the Horizon League, NKU's Norse athletic teams compete in NCAA Division I athletics, with men's and women's basketball games held in the 9,400-seat Truist Arena.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
NKU is rated within the lower 33% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Northern Kentucky University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#912 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#365 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#12 in Best Colleges in Kentucky
#5 in Best Public Colleges in Kentucky
#36 in Best Value Colleges in Kentucky
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 916/1133 |
| ACT | 19/25 |
| GPA | 3.42 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $40 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Kentucky Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Other Fees | $384 |
| Room and Board | $11,660 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,500 |
| Total One Year Cost | $25,856 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Other Fees | $384 |
| Room and Board | $11,660 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,500 |
| Total One Year Cost | $36,440 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 26% |
| Health Professions | 11% |
| Education | 9% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 7% |
| Social Sciences | 6% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering NKU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=157447 IPEDS survey data for Northern Kentucky University.
Current students may use the Northern Kentucky University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025