Northern Kentucky University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
NKU’s 83% acceptance rate means admission is within reach for many students, but the strategic number is your ACT score. With 73% submitting ACT scores and a listed $20,000 scholarship beginning at ACT 18 with a 3.0 GPA, aim beyond the cutoff toward NKU’s upper range, roughly 22 to 25, to strengthen your options.
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
Northern Kentucky University enrolls 10,163 undergraduates in the Northern Kentucky region. 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. NKU is test-required for admissions.
Highland Heights, KY
How do your scores compare at NKU?
Key Northern Kentucky University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 19
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
February
Financial Aid Priority
February 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because NKU is test-required, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and reserve the summer before senior year for retakes. For NKU’s August 19 Regular Decision deadline, your last realistic retake is in the summer, since fall scores will arrive too late.
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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.
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.
Student life at Northern Kentucky University
14% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 9% of men join fraternities, and 7% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Murray State University
Murray, KYAcceptance rate: 85.7%
SAT: 980–1170
ACT: 19–26
Morehead State University
Morehead, KYAcceptance rate: 77.2%
SAT: 1003–1238
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KYAcceptance rate: 93.9%
SAT: 940–1130
ACT: 18–25
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KYAcceptance rate: 96.8%
SAT: 950–1180
ACT: 17–24
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