by our College Data Analytics TeamIs NKU worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
NKU is ranked #229 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of D+. Within Kentucky, it ranks #8 of 50 for value.
Among the majors NKU offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Business Information Systems | #1 of 114 |
| General Management Information Systems | #1 of 114 |
| Management Information Systems | #1 of 121 |
| Construction Management | #2 of 64 |
| Broadcast Journalism | #2 of 28 |
| Communications / Public Relations | #2 of 34 |
| Manufacturing Engineering Technology | #2 of 26 |
| Industrial Technology | #2 of 26 |
| Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist | #2 of 69 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #2 of 69 |
Read the full NKU value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
Northern Kentucky University is ranked #9 out of #54 in Kentucky for quality and #8 out of #50 for Kentucky value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the NKU financial aid page to be sure.
Northern Kentucky University is ranked #229 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Northern Kentucky University is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at NKU costs about $9,766. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $39,063 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $18,690 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $8,191 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $9,766 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,063 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the NKU net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
What NKU costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a NKU degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $74,760 | — | — |
| All Students | $39,063 | #229 | D+ |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $32,764 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $74,760 | — | — |
| All Students | $39,063 | #8 | C- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $32,764 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at NKU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $1,813 |
| $30K–$48K | $3,022 |
| $48K–$75K | $6,638 |
| $75K–$110K | $11,227 |
| Over $110K | $13,270 |
About 85% of NKU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $8,760 per year. Get more details on the NKU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the NKU net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.