Admission Standards Links

What It Takes to Be Accepted

• Your GPA
• Your standardized test scores
• Your high school coursework

Our 2008 Admission File Review  

For regular admission at NKU we look for the successful completion of
Kentucky's Pre-College Curriculum (credit must be earned): 

• Four years of English
• Three years of math including Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry or three integrative math courses
• Three years of science
• Three years of social studies
• Two years of the same foreign language

On the ACT, we look for scores of 18 in the subject sections of English, math and reading, and a 20 composite.  On the SAT we require a math score of at least 430, a critical reading score of at least 480, and a 940 composite.  The ACT and SAT writing score is optional.  Currently, we do not require a writing score for any selective academic majors.

If you meet (all of these requirements) NKU's admission standards you will be admitted regularly. If you have one or two deficiencies – a low test score or are missing a Pre-College Curriculum course, you may be admitted with conditions.  If you are admitted with conditions you are admitted to the university,  but will be required to complete a customized academic support program to ensure your academic success.

Students who have three or more deficiencies will be reviewed and considered for admission based on their high school performance. If a student has three deficiencies but has a 3.0 GPA or higher or is in the top 30 percent of his or her class, the student could still qualify for admission.  Students who are not admitted will be referred to the NKU Academy, a five-week, summer remediation program.

2009 Graduates

While NKU's admission requirements for regular admission have not changed for 2009.  Kentucky state requirements for admission into college-level reading and math courses have changed. Students who score a 21 or less in reading and 19 or less in math on the ACT will be placed into a unique section of  English or math to assist them in developing their skills necessary to succeed in that area.

You may have the opportunity to challenge these ACT/SAT scores, which determines your placement in English, reading, and math courses, by taking NKU’s Challenge Test.  Challenge testing is only available to eligible first time freshmen (or transfer students with less than 24 hours) who are admitted to NKU.   You are not required to take the challenge test.  Instead, you may choose to re-take the ACT/SAT test to raise your scores or choose to register for the recommended developmental courses at NKU.