C+
Above Average
Score: 57/100

Northern Kentucky University

4-Year Public
📍 Highland Heights, Kentucky 41099
🌐 www.nku.edu/
Outcomes
B
67/100
Affordability
B
65/100
Resources
C
49/100
Experience
B
68/100
Prestige
D
36/100

Quick Stats

14,961
Total Enrollment
48%
Graduation Rate
78%
Retention Rate
18.0:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
96%
Acceptance Rate
$8,151
Avg Net Price
🏠 Housing Market Near Northern Kentucky University ▼

3% of students live off-campus (not with family), creating consistent rental demand near campus. That's approximately 404 students who need housing.

🏆 Where Northern Kentucky University Ranks

Rankings based on Repit College Grade among schools offering each program.

#7
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing
of 22 schools
#23
Organizational Behavior Studies
of 42 schools

Costs & Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

Category In-State Out-of-State
Tuition $10,512 $21,096
Total Cost (On-Campus) $25,856 $36,440

Financial Aid

99%
Receive Any Aid
29%
Receive Pell Grants
37%
Take Out Loans
$8,151
Avg Net Price

Net Price by Family Income

Family Income Average Net Price
$0 - $30,000$1,813
$30,001 - $48,000$3,022
$48,001 - $75,000$6,638
$75,001 - $110,000$11,227
$110,001+$13,270

Student Demographics

14,961
Total Students
63%
Women
69%
Traditional Age (18-24)
3%
Off-Campus Renters

👥 Race & Ethnicity

White 76%
Hispanic 4%
Black 9%
Asian 2%
Two or More 3%
Non-Resident 3%

🏠 Living Arrangements

On Campus 36%
Off-Campus (Renters) 3%
With Family 61%
🏘️ Rental Demand: ~404 students need off-campus housing

💻 Learning Mode

In-Person 8%
Hybrid (Some Online) 37%
Fully Online 55%

📊 Age Distribution

18-24 (Traditional) 69%
25-64 (Adult) 16%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 96%. This indicates a less selective admissions process with good chances for qualified applicants.
How much does it cost to attend Northern Kentucky University?
Tuition at Northern Kentucky University is $10,512 for in-state students and $21,096 for out-of-state students . However, the average net price after financial aid is $8,151.
What is the graduation rate at Northern Kentucky University?
The graduation rate at Northern Kentucky University is 48%. This graduation rate is below average. Consider factors like program type and student demographics when evaluating.
Is Northern Kentucky University a good school?
Northern Kentucky University has a Repit College Score of 57/100 (Grade: C+). Our rating evaluates five key factors:
  • Outcomes (B): Graduation and retention rates
  • Affordability (B): Net cost and financial aid access
  • Resources (C): Class sizes and selectivity
  • Experience (B): Campus life and learning format
  • Prestige (D): Reputation and recognition
How many students attend Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University has a total enrollment of 14,961 students.
Is there rental demand near Northern Kentucky University?
Yes! Approximately 3% of students at Northern Kentucky University live off-campus (not with family). That's roughly 404 students who need rental housing near campus.

Deciding between a dorm and buying near campus? Run the numbers for Northern Kentucky University — four years of dorm costs vs. owning, including what you’d recover at resale. Buy vs Dorm calculator →

🎓 Similar Colleges to Northern Kentucky University

Compare with other 4-Year public institutions of similar size.

C+
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY · 16,759 students
C+
Morehead State University
Morehead, KY · 8,618 students
B
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY · 15,008 students
B
Murray State University
Murray, KY · 9,841 students
B
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY · 22,139 students
B
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY · 32,703 students

Data source: IPEDS 2023-24 | Last updated: September 2026 | Methodology