Northern Kentucky University
NKU is a growing metropolitan university of more than 10,000 undergraduate students served by more than 2,000 faculty and staff on a thriving suburban campus. Located in Highland Heights, Kentucky—just seven miles southeast of Cincinnati—we have become a leader in the region by providing a quality education for a fraction of the cost. At NKU, you can expect a small school community with big school opportunities.
Accepts first-year applicationsSouthPublicSuburbanMedium (2,001 to 14,999)Co-Ed
Academic programs
- Design
- Engineering
- Research
- Science
- Technology
- Liberal Arts
- Business
- Education
- Nursing
- Communication
- Music
- Art & Design
- Economics
- Finance/Accounting
- Government/Political Science
- Health Science
- Performing Arts
- Social Science
- Visual Arts
Student experience
- Athletics
- Co-op/Internship Opportunities
- Disability Services
- Greek Life
- Intramural/Club Sports
- Military/Veteran Services
- Night Class Offerings
- On-Campus Housing
- ROTC Program
- Study Abroad
- Undergraduate Research
- Veteran Fee Waiver
- Distance/online learning
Application information
First-year
First year students are students applying to NKU for the first time after high school graduation and have not attended any other institutions following high school. The application and high school transcripts are all required to be reviewed for admission. If you have over a 2.75 unweighted GPA you will be eligible for Direct Admit. Regarding test scores, NKU uses a Test Optional admission policy. Test scores are strongly encouraged if you have less than a 2.75 unweighted GPA. Test scores are required if you wish to be considered for our Presidential Scholarship program. For more information, please review our freshman admission requirements.
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Visit us
Throughout the year we offer high school students and their families several opportunities to visit campus through both daily visits, as well as special events. Reservations are required for all visits. You can schedule your visit online or call our Welcome Center at (859) 572-1400. You will receive a confirmation email, including directions to campus and a campus map once we receive your visit reservation. Schedule a visit today!
"NKU means a lot to me. It means a place where I feel safe, a place where I can unapologetically be myself, and a place where I feel welcomed and loved. To me, NKU means more than just a school; it means a place to call home and people to call family."