Northern Kentucky University (NKU) is a public university located in Highland Heights, Kentucky, just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, Ohio. NKU is a member of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees at NKU vary depending on residency status, level of study, and program of study. For the 2022-2023 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees are as follows:
In-State Undergraduate Tuition and Fees
Level of Study | Tuition | Fees | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Freshman | $11,232 | $1,348 | $12,580 |
Sophomore | $11,640 | $1,348 | $12,988 |
Junior | $12,048 | $1,348 | $13,396 |
Senior | $12,456 | $1,348 | $13,804 |
Out-of-State Undergraduate Tuition and Fees
Level of Study | Tuition | Fees | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Freshman | $20,844 | $1,348 | $22,192 |
Sophomore | $21,288 | $1,348 | $22,636 |
Junior | $21,732 | $1,348 | $23,080 |
Senior | $22,176 | $1,348 | $23,524 |
Graduate Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for graduate programs at NKU vary depending on the program of study. For more information, please visit the NKU Graduate School website.
Other Costs
In addition to tuition and fees, students should also budget for other costs, such as:
- Room and board: On-campus housing costs range from $5,780 to $9,550 per year for a double room with a shared bath. Meal plans range from $2,420 to $4,350 per year.
- Books and supplies: Students should budget for approximately $1,200 per year for books and supplies.
- Transportation: Students who do not live on campus will need to budget for transportation costs, such as gas, parking, or public transportation.
- Personal expenses: Students should also budget for personal expenses, such as food, clothing, and entertainment.
Financial Aid
NKU offers a variety of financial aid programs to help students pay for college. These programs include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. For more information about financial aid, please visit the NKU Office of Financial Aid website.
Comparison to Other Universities
NKU’s tuition and fees are comparable to other public universities in Kentucky. For example, the University of Kentucky’s in-state undergraduate tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year are $12,298. Western Kentucky University’s in-state undergraduate tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year are $11,832.
NKU’s tuition and fees are also comparable to other public universities in the Cincinnati area. For example, the University of Cincinnati’s in-state undergraduate tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year are $11,956. Miami University’s in-state undergraduate tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year are $11,851.
Conclusion
Northern Kentucky University is a public university with affordable tuition and fees. NKU offers a variety of financial aid programs to help students pay for college. NKU’s tuition and fees are comparable to other public universities in Kentucky and the Cincinnati area.