Chances of getting into Northern Kentucky University
Acceptance Rate
How hard is it to get into NKU and can I get accepted?
The acceptance rate at NKU is 87%. It ranks #22 in Kentucky for lowest rate of acceptance. Northern Kentucky University is an easy school to get into with a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission requirements. Last year, 5,819 out of 6,686 applicants were admitted.
The school has average admission requirements for SAT and ACT scores, generally admitting students who score in the top 58 percent (SAT 960/1190 ACT 20/26). Northern Kentucky University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.41. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 32% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
The NKU application fee is $40 and applications are due by Jul 15.
Testing Requirements
You are required to submit admission test scores with your application. Northern Kentucky University is not a test optional school. Note: Please consult the school directly to confirm the most up to date testing requirements.
NKU SAT Scores
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading 25th | 480 |
| SAT Math 25th | 480 |
| SAT Composite 25th | 960 |
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading 75th | 590 |
| SAT Math 75th | 600 |
| SAT Composite 75th | 1190 |
| Average SAT Score | 1080
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for students to be admitted to Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University typically prefers applicants to be in the top 68 percent of SAT test takers. The school consistently takes SAT composite scores down to 960 on a 1600 scale, below which admission should be considered a reach. We estimate some students could be accepted with SAT's as low as 840. The average SAT composite for admitted freshman is 1080 out of 1600. NKU ranks #11 in Kentucky for highest average SAT composite score. 6 percent of applicants submit SAT scores to the school.
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Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2020 starting classEstimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score
NKU ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| ACT Reading 25th | 20 |
| ACT Math 25th | 19 |
| ACT Composite 25th | 20 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| ACT Reading 75th | 27 |
| ACT Math 75th | 26 |
| ACT Composite 75th | 26 |
| Average ACT Score | 23
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for prospective students to get into NKU?
Admission data indicates that NKU regularly accepts students with ACT's of 20 and above. Successful applicants typically send ACT scores in the top 49 percent nationally. We estimate the school accepting minimum ACT composite scores around 17 in some instances. Prospective students submitting an ACT composite of 23 or higher should be in the upper half of applicants - and students with a 26 and above have very competitive chances. The school ranks #8 in Kentucky for highest average ACT composite score. Scoring well on the ACT is very important as 96 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Northern Kentucky University.
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2020 starting classEstimated Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score
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NKU GPA
Estimated GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Northern Kentucky University?
Applicants require above average high school grades to get into NKU. The average high school GPA of the admitted freshman class at Northern Kentucky University was 3.41 on the 4.0 scale indicating that primarily B+ students are accepted and ultimately attend. The school ranks #14 in Kentucky for highest average GPA. If your high school grades are above the average 3.41 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as NKU accepts 87% of all applicants.
Explore more colleges with similar GPA requirements
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2021
Other Colleges to Consider
High School Class Rank
74% of Northern Kentucky University freshman were in the top half of their high school graduating class.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 16% |
| Top 25% of class | 41% |
| Top 50% of class | 74% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 4,250 | 2,436 | 6,686 |
| Accepted | 3,667 | 2,152 | 5,819 |
| Acceptance Rate | 86% | 88% | 87% |
| Enrolled | 1,094 | 742 | 1,836 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 30% | 34% | 32% |
Fall 2022 Application Deadline
Applications are Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 167 days left until the Fall 2022 term applications are due on Jul 15, 2023.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Northern Kentucky University is $40.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Northern Kentucky University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Required |
| High School GPA | Required |
| High School Class Rank | Recommended |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required |
| Recommendations | Neither required nor recommended |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Neither required nor recommended |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | Yes |
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=157447 IPEDS survey data for Northern Kentucky University.
FAQs
Does Northern Kentucky University prefer SAT or ACT?
6% of students submit their SAT scores to NKU. 96% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Northern Kentucky University?
87% of those who apply are granted admission to NKU. Admission competition is and the college has average admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for Northern Kentucky University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 960 and 1190. 6% of students submit SAT scores when applying. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for Northern Kentucky University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 20 and 26. 96% of students submit ACT scores when applying. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.