Public
Medium
Horizon League

Northern Kentucky University SAT scores, ACT scores, acceptance rate, and admissions requirements

SAT Range953 to 1150
ACT Range18 to 25
Average GPA3.35
Acceptance Rate83.1%

With an 83% acceptance rate and required testing, NKU is a place where your ACT can matter beyond admission. Aim for at least an 18, which starts the middle 50% range and meets the Anthony Munoz Scholarship Fund cutoff for a $20,000 award if your GPA is 3.00 or higher.

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Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Northern Kentucky University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Northern Kentucky University is a public university in Highland Heights, Kentucky, with an undergraduate enrollment of 10,163. NKU’s freshman retention rate is 75%, above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 54%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1, and NKU is test-required for admissions.

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Location

Highland Heights, KY

How do your scores compare at NKU?

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Key Northern Kentucky University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

August 19

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

February

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

February 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

November 7, 2026

Registration deadline: October 23, 2026

December 5, 2026

Registration deadline: November 20, 2026

March 6, 2027

Registration deadline: February 19, 2027

ACT test dates

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

February 27, 2027

Registration deadline: January 22, 2027

April 10, 2027

Registration deadline: March 5, 2027

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Because NKU requires test scores, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year, then use summer and fall of senior year for retakes. For NKU’s August 19 Regular Decision deadline, a December retake should still arrive in time and can also help you reach the ACT 18+ mark for the Anthony Munoz Scholarship Fund.

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What you'll actually pay

At NKU, a public Horizon League university, in-state tuition is $11,088 and out-of-state tuition is $21,912. About 43% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $5,549. Submit the FAFSA by the February 1 priority deadline.

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House illustration

At NKU, out-of-state tuition is $21,912, while in-state tuition is $11,088; room and board adds $12,712. About 43% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $16,512. The average merit award is $5,549, which can help reduce the amount families pay. Graduates leave with an average debt of $16,514.

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Student life at Northern Kentucky University

Activities and Organizations
Student newspaper
Drama and theater
Radio station
Choral groups
Housing

14% of undergrads live on campus

Greek life

Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 9% of men join fraternities, and 7% of women join sororities.

Similar schools

See all Kentucky schools
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