Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY
Safety
B
ROI
A+
Northern Kentucky University is a large public doctoral university located in Highland Heights, Kentucky, with an undergraduate enrollment of 8,246. Classified as a doctoral research university, it supports graduate programs in select disciplines and allocates significant resources to faculty research activity alongside its undergraduate mission. As a public institution primarily funded through state appropriations and federal grants, it operates within the broader Kentucky postsecondary education landscape and is regionally accredited, making its credits and degrees eligible for federal financial aid. With a 68% acceptance rate, admission is broadly accessible. With a 68% acceptance rate, the institution is broadly accessible while maintaining academic standards. Net price for families earning \$48,001–$75,000 averages $6,761 per year. Families earning under $30,000 average $2,603/year — substantially lower. The highest program-level earnings outcomes are in CIP 00 — 10-year median earnings among aid recipients in these fields reach $137,370. The 4-year graduation rate is 50%, 5 percentage points above the national average of 45%. Among students who received federal financial aid, 10-year median earnings are $50,220.
Acceptance Rate
67.7%
Avg Net Price
$8,191
6-yr Grad Rate
51.3%
Earnings 10yr
$50,220
The Numbers
Admissions
- Acceptance Rate
- 67.7%
- SAT Range
- 953–1150
- ACT Range
- 18–25
- Enrollment
- 8,246
- Student:Faculty
- 19:1
Costs & Outcomes
- In-State Tuition
- $11,088
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $21,912
- Room & Board
- $12,712
- Students Receiving Aid
- 25.2%
- Median Debt at Grad
- —
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Data from U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS, College Scorecard, Clery Act), Bureau of Labor Statistics, and FIRE. Updated annually. Not affiliated with Northern Kentucky University.