Northern Kentucky University (NKU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Northern Kentucky University
Perched just south of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University blends a close-knit feel with access to a major metro. It's known for practical, hands-on academics across the liberal arts and sciences, business and technology, health and education. Classrooms, labs and studios feel contemporary, and the library is a busy hub. Students find advising, tutoring, counseling and wellness support, plus first-year programs that help you get your footing.
Campus life leans welcoming and down-to-earth. You'll see clubs meeting alongside music and theater, intramurals and outdoor rec, and crowds cheering the Norse, a campus identity that gives the spirit a distinctive stamp. Green spaces and a modern rec center make it easy to unplug. Career prep has a Cincinnati tilt, with internships, co-ops, service learning and alumni connections. Around campus, you get riverfront arts, pro sports, neighborhood food and quick commutes.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) offers 88 degree programs across 23 major academic fields, graduating approximately 3,850 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (12 programs, 1,178 graduates), Business (7 programs, 1,004 graduates), Education (12 programs, 253 graduates), Computer & IT (8 programs, 216 graduates) and Psychology (3 programs, 153 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Health (12 programs, 1,178 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 864 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.3801 |
| Nursing Practice | 99 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
51.3818 |
| Adult Health Nursing | 72 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
51.3803 |
| Respiratory Care Therapy | 40 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0908 |
| Health Administration and Management | 27 |
|
Master's
|
51.0701 |
| Medical Informatics | 19 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
51.2706 |
| Mental Health Counseling | 15 |
|
Master's
|
51.1508 |
| Radiologic Technology | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0911 |
| Perfusion Technology | 9 |
|
Master's
|
51.0906 |
| Mental and Social Health Services | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.1599 |
| Medical Radiologic Technology | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0907 |
| Athletic Training | 4 |
|
Master's
|
51.0913 |
Business (7 programs, 1,004 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | 453 |
|
Master's
|
52.0101 |
| Business Administration and Management | 371 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0201 |
| Organizational Behavior | 66 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.1003 |
| Accounting | 61 |
|
Master's
|
52.0301 |
| Construction Management | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.2001 |
| Management Information Systems | 22 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
52.1201 |
| Nonprofit and Organizational Management | 8 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
52.0206 |
Education (12 programs, 253 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | 118 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13.1202 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 57 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
13.0401 |
| Middle School Education and Teaching | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1203 |
| General Education | 15 |
|
Master's
|
13.0101 |
| Special Education Teaching | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1001 |
| Kindergarten and Preschool Education | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1209 |
| Music Teacher Education | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1312 |
| School Counseling and Guidance | 4 |
|
Master's
|
13.1101 |
| Secondary Education and Teaching | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1205 |
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1314 |
| Foundations of Education | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.0901 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development in Specific Subject Areas | 3 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
13.1399 |
Computer & IT (8 programs, 216 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology | 65 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0103 |
| Information Systems Security and Auditing | 50 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
11.1003 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | 43 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0101 |
| Information Science | 32 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11.0401 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, Other | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0199 |
| Software and Media Applications | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
11.0899 |
| Computer Science | 3 |
|
Master's
|
11.0701 |
| System and Network Management | 2 |
|
Master's
|
11.1002 |
Psychology (3 programs, 153 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 134 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychology | 17 |
|
Master's
|
42.2804 |
| Health Psychology | 2 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
42.2810 |
Public Services (2 programs, 143 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work | 132 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
44.0701 |
| Public Administration | 11 |
|
Master's
|
44.0401 |
Communication (5 programs, 137 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 63 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
09.0101 |
| Broadcast Journalism | 39 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0402 |
| Journalism | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0401 |
| Public Relations and Image Management | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0902 |
| Health Communication | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0905 |
Biological Sciences (3 programs, 136 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 74 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology | 44 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0908 |
| Neuroscience | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.1501 |
Law (1 programs, 126 graduates)
Legal Studies, Jurisprudence and Professional Law Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law | 126 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
22.0101 |
Arts (4 programs, 103 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theatre Arts | 46 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0501 |
| Studio Arts, General | 37 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0702 |
| Design and Visual Communications | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0401 |
| Music | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Northern Kentucky University (NKU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Northern Kentucky University (NKU)
How much does it cost to attend Northern Kentucky University (NKU)?
The annual tuition at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) is $10,896 for in-state students and $21,480 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $25,856 for in-state students and $36,440 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $11,660 and books and supplies $800.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Northern Kentucky University offer?
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) offers 88 academic programs across 23 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional), Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (12 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (7 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (12 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (8 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (3 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) has an 96% acceptance rate and a 21% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 6,417
- Students admitted: 6,162
- Students enrolled: 1,295
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) provides financial aid to 15% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $11,492 and average loans of $6,266.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,771
- State/Local grants: $3,170
- Institutional grants: $8,016
- Federal loans: $5,191
The university supports 1,553 students with grants and 592 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Northern Kentucky University graduates?
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) graduates earn a median salary of $42,105 after 6 years and $50,220 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $34,271 (25th percentile) to $71,430 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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