Northern Kentucky University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit and competitive scholarship programs
- Regional tuition discounts and reciprocity
- Honors College benefits and key deadlines
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~90%
- Middle 50% ACT: 20–26
- Middle 50% SAT: 1020–1250
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.4–3.9
Source: Northern Kentucky University Common Data Set 2024–25 and BigFuture. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Northern Kentucky University at a Glance
Last verified: October 18, 2025
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) offers affordable pathways for both in-state and out-of-state students, with strong automatic merit awards and regional tuition discounts. Starting in Fall 2025, NKU’s “3 States, 1 Rate” model lets new undergraduates from Ohio and Indiana pay the Kentucky in-state tuition rate.
High-achieving students can pursue competitive full-tuition opportunities (including select college-based awards) or join the NKU Honors College, which provides priority registration, research support, and additional funding—all within a modern, career-focused campus near Cincinnati.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Northern Kentucky University is test-optional through 2026 and uses GPA-based criteria for most automatic scholarships.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 20–26; SAT: 1020–1250 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $7,168/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — “3 States, 1 Rate” gives new undergrads from Ohio and Indiana the Kentucky in-state rate starting Fall 2025.
https://inside.nku.edu/studentaccountservices/tuition.html
https://inside.nku.edu/financialaid/tuition-fees.html
https://www.nku.edu/news/press-releases/2024/september/nku-launches-simplified-tuition-program-3-states-1-rate.html
https://inside.nku.edu/financialaid/tuition-fees/TriStateTuition.html
https://inside.nku.edu/financialaid/scholarships.html
https://www.nku.edu/academics/cob/beyond/scholarships.html
https://inside.nku.edu/ir/Reports.html
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?157447-Northern-Kentucky-University=
💰 Cost of Attendance at Northern Kentucky University
| Category | In-State (KY/OH/IN) | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–16 credits/term + Rec Fee) | $11,880 | $15,768 |
| Housing & Meal Plan (typical) | $13,554 | $13,554 |
| Total (before aid) | $25,434 | $29,322 |
Note: The table above includes only costs billed directly by NKU—tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meal plans. Other estimated expenses like Books & Supplies (~$800), Travel (~$1,900), and Personal Expenses (~$2,500) are not paid to the university and vary by student. They are included in financial aid calculations but not billed by NKU.
Tri-State Tuition Program (3 States, 1 Rate): Starting Fall 2025, all new undergraduates from Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana pay the same in-state tuition rate automatically—no separate application required.
Example: Students from Ohio or Indiana save about $3,900 per year compared to the traditional out-of-state rate. This discount stacks with NKU merit scholarships for even greater savings.
Who qualifies? Any admitted undergraduate who is a legal resident of KY, OH, or IN.
How much can you save? Roughly $3,800–$4,000 per year compared to the out-of-state rate, before scholarships or aid.
Do you need to apply? No — the Tri-State tuition rate is automatic based on verified residency.
https://inside.nku.edu/studentaccountservices/tuition.html
https://inside.nku.edu/financialaid/tuition-fees.html
https://www.nku.edu/news/press-releases/2024/september/nku-launches-simplified-tuition-program-3-states-1-rate.html
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?157447-Northern-Kentucky-University=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
NKU awards multiple automatic merit scholarships based strictly on your high school GPA and state residency. No separate application is required—they’re applied with your admission, and all are renewable with strong grades and continued full-time study. Deadlines: Feb 15 (priority).
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tri-State Academic Merit (KY Residents, Tier 1) | $3,000/yr | KY resident, HS GPA 3.8+ | No | Yes — must keep GPA 2.75 after year 2, then 3.0 | Top A-range Kentucky admits | Feb 15 (priority) |
| Tri-State Academic Merit (KY Residents, Tier 2) | $2,000/yr | KY resident, HS GPA 3.5–3.79 | No | Yes — must keep GPA 2.75 after year 2, then 3.0 | Strong A/B+ Kentucky admits | Feb 15 (priority) |
| Tri-State Academic Merit (KY Residents, Tier 3) | $1,000/yr | KY resident, HS GPA 3.0–3.49 | No | Yes — must keep GPA 2.75 after year 2, then 3.0 | Solid B+/A- Kentucky admits | Feb 15 (priority) |
| Tri-State Academic Merit (OH/IN Residents, Tier 1) | $2,000/yr | OH/IN resident, HS GPA 3.5+ | No | Yes — must keep GPA 2.75 after year 2, then 3.0 | Strong OH/IN admits with A-range GPA | Feb 15 (priority) |
| Tri-State Academic Merit (OH/IN Residents, Tier 2) | $1,000/yr | OH/IN resident, HS GPA 3.0–3.49 | No | Yes — must keep GPA 2.75 after year 2, then 3.0 | Solid B+/A- OH/IN admits | Feb 15 (priority) |
*Estimated GPA bands. Renewal after two years requires a 2.75 GPA, then 3.0. Cutoffs may shift depending on NKU’s applicant pool and funding.
Do I need to apply? No—automatic awards are granted from your admission file.
Are test scores required? No. Awards are GPA-based, and test-optional students are fully considered.
Can these stack? Yes, with need-based grants and some department awards. They cannot stack with another full-tuition scholarship.
https://inside.nku.edu/admissions/financialaid/first-year-freshmen/ky-oh-in-scholarships.html
https://inside.nku.edu/financialaid/scholarships.html
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These university-level awards go beyond automatic merit and are limited, selective, and usually require extra steps. They’re aimed at students with standout academics and leadership—and they can cover a big share of tuition when won.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidents Scholarship | Full in-state tuition (up to 16 credit hours/term) | First-time freshmen; strong GPA & rigor; leadership/service signals; test-optional considered | Yes — via NKU scholarship portal/Admissions; interview/essay may be required | Yes — maintain full-time status; typically ≥2.75 cum GPA after year 2 and ≥3.0 thereafter | *Students with ~3.9+ GPA, several AP/dual-credit classes, and sustained leadership or service involvement (estimate based on past recipients) | Feb 15 (priority window) |
| Kentucky Governor’s Scholars (GSP) Scholarship | Full in-state tuition (up to 16 credit hours/term) | Kentucky residents who completed the state’s Governor’s Scholars Program; first-time freshmen | Yes — documentation required in NKU scholarship portal | Yes — same full-tuition renewal standards as above | Verified GSP completers who enroll full-time and meet NKU renewal standards | Feb 15 (priority window) |
Stacking notes: Full-tuition awards typically cannot be combined with another full-tuition scholarship or tuition waiver. Automatic merit may be reduced or not stack if it would exceed tuition.
Do these have firm deadlines? Yes—NKU lists competitive scholarship windows in its scholarship portal each cycle. Check dates early; interviews or essays may be part of the process.
Are test scores required? No—test-optional applicants are considered, but your GPA, course rigor, essays, and activities need to carry more weight.
What happens if my GPA slips? Full-tuition awards have higher ongoing standards. Falling below the renewal GPA or credit load can reduce or cancel the award for the next term.
Can I keep Tri-State pricing and a full-tuition scholarship? Tri-State is a tuition rate. If you win a full-tuition scholarship, it usually covers tuition up to the in-state rate; you won’t combine multiple full-tuition benefits.
https://inside.nku.edu/financialaid/scholarships.html
https://inside.nku.edu/admissions/financialaid/first-year-freshmen/ky-oh-in-scholarships.html
🎖️ Honors College
NKU’s Honors College is designed for curious students who want smaller classes, close mentoring, and the freedom to shape their own academic path. Admission is by application—you don’t get in automatically—and deadlines come early, so families need to plan ahead.
High school GPA in the 3.7–4.0 range*, challenging courses (AP, IB, or dual credit), strong essays, and a track record of leadership or service.
*Estimate based on past cohorts; NKU does not publish exact GPA cutoffs.
- Smaller seminar-style classes
- Dedicated Honors lounge and learning community
- Research and creative project funding opportunities
- Education-abroad scholarships and program support
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Freshman Scholars Award | $1,000–$2,000 (one-time, first year only) | Incoming freshmen accepted into the Honors College; selection based on essays, GPA, and overall application strength | No separate application — considered automatically when admitted to Honors | No — first-year only | Students admitted early with strong Honors applications and high GPA/rigor | Early Action: Nov 15 Priority: Feb 15 Regular: July 15 |
Continuing Honors Students can also apply for:
- Honors Education Abroad Scholarships — partial funding ($500–$2,000) for approved international programs. (Rolling/varies)
- Research & Creative Project Grants — stipends to support undergraduate research or creative work with a faculty mentor. (Rolling/varies)
- Donor-Funded Honors Awards — variable amounts ($500–$2,500) awarded annually to continuing Honors students with strong academic and leadership records. (March 1 typical)
Is admission automatic? No. Students must apply separately to the Honors College.
Does Honors add time to your degree? No. Honors courses count toward your degree and can sometimes help you finish sooner with the right planning.
When are the deadlines? Early Action is usually November 15, Priority is February 15, and Regular is July 15.
Are there Honors-specific scholarships? Yes—continuing Honors students can apply for research, study abroad, and donor-funded awards through the college.
https://nku.edu/honors-college/scholarships.html
https://nku.edu/honors-college/join-us.html
⭐ College Specialty
Families often ask, “What is Northern Kentucky University really known for?” While NKU isn’t a massive flagship or an R1 research school, it has carved out strong regional pipelines in business, informatics, health, and public service—programs that connect directly to Greater Cincinnati’s workforce needs.
- Cybersecurity & Informatics: Home to the College of Informatics and the Center for Information Security, NKU is noted for its annual Cybersecurity Symposium and strong tech pipelines in the region.
- Health & Human Services: NKU is a regional leader in nursing and health innovation programs, supplying graduates directly into Greater Cincinnati’s healthcare system.
- Law (Chase College of Law): While graduate-level, Chase is one of the oldest continuously operating law schools in the region (founded 1893), with a strong reputation in part-time and practice-oriented legal education.
- Public Service & Criminal Justice: Known statewide for programs in political science, organizational leadership, and criminal justice—fields tied closely to regional civic and law enforcement careers.