Campus Identity
Northern Kentucky University is a mid-size public university in Highland Heights, KY. Approximately 8,246 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 68% acceptance rate. Ski resorts are within 24 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 65/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Northern Kentucky University is a mid-size public university in Highland Heights, KY. Approximately 8,246 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 68% acceptance rate. Ski resorts are within 24 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 65/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Northern Kentucky University is a 10,000–19,999, suburban school with NCAA D1 athletics. The campus is 24 miles from Perfect North Slopes.
Athletics
NCAA D1
Horizon League
School Size & Setting
10,000–19,999
Suburban setting
Weather
Warm Climate
48°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Northern Kentucky University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Perfect North Slopes, 24 miles away with 12 lifts and 100 skiable acres. All are within 115 miles of campus.
Indiana
Indiana
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Highland Heights, KY
Highland Heights has a cool climate, with winters averaging 32°F in Jan and summers peaking around 76°F in Jul.
Station: CINCINNATI MUNICIPAL AIRPORT LUNKEN FIELD · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Northern Kentucky University in KY earns a composite safety score of 65/100, rated Pretty Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $11,088 | $21,912 |
| Fees | $384 | $384 |
| Room & Board | $12,712 | $12,712 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $24,184 | $35,008 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
133 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Northern Kentucky University located?
Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY. The main campus address is Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 68%, making it moderately selective. Out of 6,058 applicants, 4,098 were admitted in the most recent year. 8,246 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Northern Kentucky University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Northern Kentucky University scored between 18 and 25 on the ACT, with a median of 21. About 73% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Northern Kentucky University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Northern Kentucky University charges $11,088/year for in-state students and $21,912/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($12,712/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $20,448/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $8,191/year — what students actually pay. Use Northern Kentucky University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Northern Kentucky University?
The undergraduate application fee at Northern Kentucky University is $40. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does Northern Kentucky University have college sports?
Yes — Northern Kentucky University competes at the NCAA D1 level in the Horizon League. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics, which often includes scholarships and nationally broadcast games.
Is Northern Kentucky University the right fit for me?
Whether Northern Kentucky University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (68% admit rate), avg net price ($8,191/year after aid), campus culture in Highland Heights, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Northern Kentucky University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Northern Kentucky University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Highland Heights, KY
- Size
- 10,000–19,999
- Degrees Offered
- Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- Horizon League
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 48°F avg
- App Fee
- $40
- On Campus Safety Score
- 65/100
- Nearest Airport
- Cincinnati, OH (LUK) · 6 mialso CVG (11 mi), ILN (45 mi)
Location
Highland Heights, KY