Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, United States of America

Northern Kentucky University (NKU), founded in 1968, is a vibrant public university located in Highland Heights, Kentucky, just seven miles from Cincinnati, Ohio. As the youngest of Kentucky's eight public universities, NKU is committed to providing innovative education and fostering regional growth through its dynamic programs.
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Tuition Fees, Cost of Living & Accommodation at Northern Kentucky University

Cost Of Living

$ 35400

Undergarduate Fees

$ 10600

Undergraduate Fees International Students

$ 20900

Post Graduate Fees International Students

$ 15900

Bachelors

  • $ 11704
  • $ 12738
  • $ 20900
  • $ 20900

Masters

  • $ 5757
  • $ 10584
  • $ 15900
  • $ 15900

Northern Kentucky University Departments

  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • Haile/US Bank College of Business
  • College of Education
  • College of Informatics
  • College of Health and Human Services
  • Chase College of Law

Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University (NKU) stands out as Kentucky's only comprehensive university situated in a vibrant metropolitan area, offering students the unique advantage of its Highland Heights location near Cincinnati. Renowned for innovation and modern architecture, NKU provides an exceptional educational experience with affordable tuition that rivals private institutions. Additionally, it is a leader in delivering high return on investment for low-income students and Pell Grant recipients, making quality education accessible and impactful.

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Distinguished Alumni of Northern Kentucky University

J. Warren Bettis

A jurist who serves as a judge on the Ohio Court of Claims, J. Warren Bettis earned his law degree from the Chase Colleg... View More

Chris Harris ("Wildcat")

Professional wrestler, Chris Harris attended NKU for two years before achieving fame in the wrestling world.

Rich Boehne

President and CEO of the E.W. Scripps Company, a Cincinnati-based media company, Rich Boehne graduated in 1981.

Hollis Hammonds

An artist and academic, Hollis Hammonds has made contributions in both the art world and education.

Steve Chabot

U.S. Representative from Ohio's 1st Congressional District, Steve Chabot earned his Juris Doctor from the Salmon P. Chas... View More

Adam Gregory

Actor known for his roles in television and film, including 90210, Hannah Montana: The Movie, and The Bold and the Beaut... View More

George Clooney

Hollywood actor known for his work in film and television, George Clooney studied broadcast journalism at NKU.

Corey Foister

A 2016 Democratic candidate for Ohio's 8th Congressional District, Corey Foister ran for office to represent his communi... View More

Mike Clines

A Kentucky politician, Mike Clines has been involved in state-level politics.

Joe Cunningham

Former member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina's 1st district, Joe Cunningham represented his st... View More

Infrastructure & Facilities at Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University (NKU) offers a wide range of facilities designed to enhance student life and community engagement. The Campus Recreation Center features an indoor pool, a multi-activity court, a bouldering rock wall, a sauna, over 100 cardio machines, an indoor track, six basketball courts, and two racquetball courts. Event spaces like the University Center, Griffin Hall, and the Health Innovation Center provide ballrooms, theaters, and meeting areas for various gatherings. Additional amenities include the Haile Planetarium, the Student Union ballroom, and convenient visitor parking at the Welcome Center and nearby garages, making NKU a vibrant and versatile campus.

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Northern Kentucky University Student Life

Northern Kentucky University (NKU) provides a vibrant student life experience with diverse opportunities for engagement and growth. Students can explore co-curricular learning through organizations, Greek life, and campus events, or embark on exciting study abroad trips. NKU’s inclusive housing communities prioritize safety and celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. Social events like the NKU Homecoming Gala, drag shows, and Halloween festivities add to campus life, while a variety of clubs and activities—ranging from Campus Ministries to Model UN—cater to diverse interests. Comprehensive student services, including career counseling, health resources, and wellness programs, ensure students thrive both academically and personally.

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Northern Kentucky University Career support

Northern Kentucky University (NKU) provides comprehensive career facilities and services to support students in their career exploration and development. These include personalized career advising with assessments, resume critiques, and interview preparation; access to a career library for resources; and opportunities to connect with employers through career fairs and on-campus interviews via Handshake. Students can enhance their decision-making skills with the CEP 101 career development course or utilize FOCUS 2, a self-assessment tool for exploring majors and careers. NKU also offers mock interviews and assistance in securing co-ops and internships to prepare students for professional success.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Admission Requirements at Northern Kentucky University

The below information is required while
completing the university application :


a) Online Application
b) Application fees USD $40
c) Official High School Transcript
d) Financial Support Proof 
e) Official GRE/GMAT Score
f) Official College Transcripts
g) English Proficiency Scores
   oTOEFL 79 
   oIELTS 6.5

Requirements may vary for each program. Please visit program page for specific requirements

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Campus
Recruitment By top Companies

The campus recruitment process at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) aims to streamline hiring for student employees by providing clear steps, from applying for positions through Handshake to completing background checks and receiving hiring notifications. This process includes access to resources like Big Interview for preparation, an introductory period with training and evaluation, and seamless paperwork management through PeopleAdmin, ensuring a structured and supportive start for new hires.

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  • American Modern Insurance Group
  • Anneken Huey & Moser PLLC
  • Anthony Muñoz Foundation
  • ArcBest
  • ARCO
  • ARGI Financial Group
  • Arlington County Police Department
  • Army Medical Recruiting (Cincinnati/Dayton)
  • Atlas Air
  • Baldwin CPAs
  • Balluff Inc
  • Baptist Health System KY/IN
  • Barnes Dennig
  • Bayer Becker
  • BDO USA
  • Belcan
  • Benchmark Gensuite
  • Best Point Education & Behavioral Healt

Northern Kentucky University Corporate Partnership

  • Ashland: Invests in advancing science education and leadership programs to empower students and enrich local communities.
  • Toyota USA Foundation: Supports STEM education initiatives to cultivate innovation and technical skills, fostering a future-ready workforce.
  • Duke Energy Foundation: Provides funding for energy education and sustainability programs, emphasizing environmental stewardship and STEM learning.
  • Martha Holden Jennings Foundation: Focuses on improving educational quality by funding innovative teaching methods and programs that elevate student learning experiences.
  • Clever Crazes for Kids: Enhances STEM and health education with interactive programs designed to engage and inspire young learners.
  • NASA Kentucky Space Grant Consortium and EPSCoR Programs: Collaborates with NKU to promote aerospace research and STEM education, enhancing opportunities in space-related fields.
  • FIRST: Encourages student participation in robotics and engineering competitions, nurturing teamwork, creativity, and technical skills.
  • Kroger: Engages in sustainability and community outreach projects to promote environmental responsibility and STEM education.
  • National Science Foundation: Provides grants for research and education projects, advancing knowledge in science, technology, and engineering fields.
  • Science and Engineering Fair of Northern Kentucky: Promotes hands-on STEM learning by organizing science fairs that inspire innovation among young scientists.
  • Cincinnati Museum Center: Supports experiential learning through exhibits and collaborative events that merge science and cultural history.
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Notable Achievements of Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University (NKU) stands out as a hub of academic excellence, innovation, and athletic achievement. Recognized for its best value by *The Wall Street Journal* and top-ranked programs in entrepreneurship, online marketing, and management, NKU combines affordability with quality education. Its Salmon P. Chase College of Law, cutting-edge Haile Digital Planetarium, and national championship-winning athletics program further demonstrate its diverse strengths. Ranked among the world's most innovative universities by WURI and first in Kentucky for return on investment by SmartAsset, NKU is a premier institution fostering success and innovation.

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Achievements

01.
Best Value

NKU provides exceptional education at an affordable cost, earning recognition for being ranked 29th out of 500 universities by The Wall Street Journal in 2025. This highlights its dedication to accessible, high-quality education in the region.

Year
2025
02.
Affordable Undergraduate Programs

With rankings in top positions for affordability in fields like online marketing, management, and finance, NKU demonstrates its ability to provide cost-effective yet high-quality education across various disciplines.

Year
2025
03.
Innovative Universities (Global Ranking)

Being ranked 78th in the Global Top 100 Innovative Universities by WURI further establishes NKU as a leader in innovative academic and administrative practices worldwide.

Year
2022

Notable Innovation, Research & Development Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University (NKU) fosters innovation and academic excellence through diverse research and development facilities and services, providing faculty, staff, and students with comprehensive support for securing funding, developing ideas, conducting research, and utilizing state-of-the-art laboratory spaces and resources, while also offering specialized funding opportunities to advance careers and enhance scholarly contributions.

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Notable Innovation

01.
Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV)

Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV) is a program dedicated to commercializing ideas from Kentucky’s public universities and colleges. The program helps entrepreneurs transform their innovative ideas into viable businesses by providing resources, guidance, and funding. KCV plays a key role in fostering economic growth by supporting startups and driving business expansion in Kentucky.

Year
2020
02.
Doug Ladd

Doug Ladd is an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) at NKU who assists companies in the development of new products. He helps these companies secure capital, craft effective marketing strategies, and design clinical studies. Ladd’s expertise in guiding businesses through crucial stages of growth supports innovation and helps startups navigate complex challenges in their path to success.

Year
2017
03.
Isaiah Kelly and Smoove Creations

Isaiah Kelly, a media informatics major, created Smoove Creations, an award-winning shoe business. The business specializes in cleaning, customizing, and restoring shoes, providing a unique service for sneaker enthusiasts and individuals looking to prolong the life of their footwear. Through this venture, Kelly combines creativity with entrepreneurial skills, offering personalized and high-quality services.

Year
2016

Explore Programs & Courses at Northern Kentucky University

Program name
Tuition Fees
Deadlines
BSc Accounting 4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
$19296
(Annual cost)
1st May
BA Anthropology 4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
$19296
(Annual cost)
1st May
BSc Athletic Training 4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
$19296
(Annual cost)
1st May
BSc Biological Sciences 4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
$19296
(Annual cost)
1st May
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