Northern Kentucky University

    Highland Heights, KY · Public · Doctoral / professional

    SAT middle 50% (admitted students)
    950–1150
    Median ~1050
    Acceptance rate
    68%
    Enrollment
    8,246
    ACT middle 50%
    18–25

    How NKU compares

    • The ~1050 SAT midpoint ranks #171 of 197 US colleges with published SAT ranges in this snapshot and #2 of 3 in KY.
    • Its 68% acceptance rate is more selective than 48% of the 197 colleges in the same ranked pool.
    • Reported section midpoints skew 20 points toward Math (560 Math vs 540 Reading and Writing).
    • Median earnings 10 years after entry ($50,220) are $12,846 below the $63,066 median across that pool.
    • Out-of-state students pay $10,824 more per year than in-state students ($21,912 vs $11,088).
    National SAT rank
    #171 of 197
    SAT rank in KY
    #2 of 3
    More selective than
    48% of ranked colleges
    Earnings vs national median
    −$12,846

    What the numbers say about NKU

    • The reported middle 50% spans 200 points, from 950 to 1150. A planning score near or above 1190 gives you a target above that historical range, not an admission guarantee.
    • The reported section midpoints are 540 Reading and Writing and 560 Math. Use the lower section as the first place to look for recoverable points in your own score split.
    • The Scorecard snapshot reports a 68% acceptance rate. That rate describes a past applicant pool and should not be read as your personal admission probability.
    • Reported outcomes include a 52% completion rate and $50,220 in median earnings 10 years after entry. Compare those figures with cost and program fit, not in isolation.
    Understand a 1050 SAT scorePlan for a 1200Verify current admissions policy

    Tuition and outcomes

    Tuition (in-state)
    $11,088
    Tuition (out-of-state)
    $21,912
    Median earnings 10 years after entry
    $50,220
    4-year completion rate (150% time)
    52%

    Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard. Documentation version September 2025; repository snapshot imported April 25, 2026. Scorecard fields can come from different reporting years, and this snapshot does not encode one universal data year. SAT totals are rounded to the nearest valid 10 points. Tuition excludes room, board, fees, and books. Read the methodology.

    How your SAT score lines up

    The Scorecard snapshot places the middle 50% of reported scores between 950 and 1150. This is descriptive data, not an admission threshold or probability estimate.

    • 1190 SAT planning target: Above the reported middle-50% range.
    • 1150 SAT (reported 75th percentile): At the upper end of the reported middle-50% range.
    • 1050 SAT (median): Within the upper half of the reported range.
    • 950 SAT (reported 25th percentile): Within the lower half of the reported range.
    At or above 1150

    Strong relative score

    At the upper end of the reported range. Consider submitting if the current policy accepts scores.

    950–1140

    Within the reported range

    Compare your exact position, section split, and the rest of your academic record.

    Below 950

    Below the reported range

    Check the current testing policy before deciding whether to withhold the score or retake.

    Compare to other colleges →

    Colleges with similar SAT scores

    Ranked by proximity to NKU's reported SAT midpoint. Similar scores do not imply similar programs, cost, or admission odds.

    Scroll horizontally to view all columns →

    CollegeLocationSAT middle 50%Acceptance rate
    University of Arkansas at Little RockLittle Rock, AR960–121059%
    Johnson & Wales University-ProvidenceProvidence, RI890–116088%
    Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro, GA990–113088%
    Greenville UniversityGreenville, IL770–123098%
    Brevard CollegeBrevard, NC870–122042%
    Kean UniversityUnion, NJ930–115076%

    FAQs

    What SAT score do I need for NKU?

    Northern Kentucky University's Scorecard snapshot shows a middle-50% SAT range of 950–1150, rounded to valid 10-point totals. 1190 is a planning target above the reported range, not an admission cutoff.

    What is NKU's acceptance rate?

    Northern Kentucky University's most recently reported acceptance rate is approximately 68%.

    How much does it cost to attend NKU?

    In-state tuition is approximately $11,088 and out-of-state is approximately $21,912. These figures exclude room, board, and fees.

    Is NKU test-optional?

    Many US universities adjusted test policies after 2020. Check Northern Kentucky University's admissions page for current test-optional, test-required, or test-flexible policy.

    Official site: www.nku.edu