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Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY·Public·8,065 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families who need the lowest possible cost. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

96%
Accept
8,065
Students
$7,168
Net Price
48%
Grad Rate
$41,800
Earnings
10 yr
$15,159
Debt

About This School

Northern Kentucky University is a public institution located in Highland Heights, Kentucky with approximately 8,065 undergraduate students enrolled. Northern Kentucky University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 96%. The average net price after financial aid is $7,168 per year. The graduation rate is 48%, and the typical graduate earns $41,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

Northern Kentucky University is a public university in Highland Heights, Kentucky, United States. Established in 1968, it is the youngest of Kentucky's eight public universities. The university has seven constituent colleges in arts and science, business, education, informatics, health, and the Salmon P. Chase College of Law.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the $7,168 average net price is genuinely affordable, and the $15,159 median debt at graduation is quite manageable, but a 48% graduation rate is a real concern — nearly half of students who start here don't finish. This is worth considering if you're cost-conscious and drawn to specific programs in business, health, or law (via the Salmon P. Chase College of Law), but go in with a clear plan and strong support system, because the retention and completion data suggest many students struggle to make it through.

Founded
1968
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing22%
Health Professions18%
Computer Science9%
Education7%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Communications5%
Biological Sciences5%
Psychology4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

George ClooneySteve ZahnGary WebbGaladriel StinemanAlwin Komolong

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1114
Reading 75th %ile573
Math 75th %ile560

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite23

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$10,896
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,480
Avg Net Price
$7,168
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants24%
Median debt at graduation$15,159

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
48%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
78%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,159
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,159
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$35,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.8x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White76%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (8,065 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Northern Kentucky University

Nunn Drive

Highland Heights, KY 41099

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Kentucky

Browse all Kentucky schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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