- TypeUniversities
- LocationHighland Heights, The United States
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Northern Kentucky University (NKU) is a public university in Highland Heights, Kentucky, a suburb about seven miles from Cincinnati, Ohio. Its origins go back to 1946 and it has been on its Highland Heights campus since 1972. NKU has nearly 16,000 students, with students from more than 55 countries, and offers more than 90 majors, 22 master's programmes and a law school, the Salmon P. Chase College of Law.
Teaching is organised in the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, the College of Health and Human Services, the College of Informatics, the Haile College of Business, the School of the Arts and the law school. NKU also offers online and accelerated programmes and study abroad opportunities.
International students are supported by International Student & Scholar Services from admission to graduation. International applicants need a TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, SAT or ACT score, and those who need to improve their English can join the American English Language Program. International students pay the same tuition as US students from outside Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana.
Not available
Public University
+1 859-572-5100
Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY, The United States, 41099
International undergraduate applicants:
- Complete the Undergraduate Online Application and pay the non-refundable $44 application fee
- Send a copy of the passport information page
- Have official secondary school transcripts sent directly to NKU, with certified translations if not in English
- Submit transcripts from all colleges attended, evaluated course by course by a NACES member
- Send official English proficiency scores
Spring and fall intakes are available. Some programmes (nursing, health science, radiologic technology, radiation therapy, respiratory care) have higher entry requirements, and music requires an audition.
Minimum scores for full undergraduate admission without restrictions:
- TOEFL iBT 79 (at least 14 in reading)
- IELTS 6.5 (at least 5.5 in reading and 5 in writing)
- Pearson PTE 55
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 480, or ACT English 18 and Reading 20
Admission with restrictions is possible from TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS 5.5 or PTE 44; these students take placement tests before registering for classes. The American English Language Program offers English courses for students who need them.
International students pay the out-of-state tuition rate. Based on 2026-27 rates, annual out-of-state tuition is US$15,696.
Estimated international undergraduate costs for 2025-2026:
- Annual full-time tuition: US$15,000 (US$625 per credit hour)
- Required fees: US$850 (vary by programme)
- Residence hall: US$7,360 and meal plan: US$4,954
- Required health insurance: US$1,698
- Estimated annual cost of attendance: US$30,762
Students from outside Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana, including international students, are not eligible for NKU's GPA-based merit scholarships, apart from the competitive Presidential Scholarship. All students may apply for NKU Foundation-funded scholarships. International students may work on campus for up to 20 hours a week, but jobs are not guaranteed.