Northern Kentucky University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At NKU, the admissions bar is relatively accessible, so your ACT goal should be tied to opportunity, not just getting in. An ACT 18 with a 3.00 GPA can put you in range for the $20,000 Anthony Munoz Scholarship Fund, while the middle ACT range of 18–25 gives you a practical target.
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. 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 admission.
Highland Heights, KY
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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, then use the summer before senior year for a retake if you want to improve your score. NKU's Regular Decision deadline is August 19, so fall senior retakes will be too late for admission, and the summer retake is your last practical chance to have scores ready. If you are aiming for the Anthony Munoz Scholarship Fund, make sure your ACT is at least 18 and your GPA is at least 3.00.
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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
Alice Lloyd College
Pippa Passes, KYAcceptance rate: 75.2%
SAT: 710–960
ACT: 16–22
Asbury University
Wilmore, KYAcceptance rate: 95.4%
SAT: 1040–1270
ACT: 20–27
Ashland Community and Technical College
Ashland, KYAcceptance rate: 64.1%
Bellarmine University
Louisville, KYAcceptance rate: 86.1%
SAT: 1030–1225
ACT: 19–26
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