Northern Kentucky University

Yes, NKU has dozens of online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. NCES data shows that a quarter of undergrads and 80% of graduate students enroll exclusively in distance-only education. However, while most coursework can be completed online, some programs — such as nursing (RN to BSN), respiratory care, teaching, and family nurse practitioner — may require a practicum or other fieldwork. 

Many programs are accelerated so students can finish faster. Terms are seven weeks long. For example, full-time students may complete an online master's degree in cybersecurity in as little as a year.

Yes, many consider NKU a good school, and we include it in several of our rankings: #2 for Best Online Colleges in Kentucky, #5 for Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Exercise Science, and #6 for Best Online Human Resources Master's Degrees, 

NKU's favorable accreditation status also signifies it's a good school. NKU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master's and doctorate degrees, and certificates. This accreditation status signifies that SACSCOC finds NKU's financial practices sound and its academic programming meets federal quality standards. 

Many of NKU's degrees are also programmatically accredited. For example, its nursing degrees are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

To provide the most trustworthy results, OnlineU only includes accredited online colleges and universities on its site. 

NKU is known for its commitment to helping ensure student success. Through its "Success by Design" strategic plan, NKU strives to be "student ready" and support students at "every stage of their academic journey." It's also part of the "Moon Shot for Equity" initiative, working in tandem with Success by Design, that aims to close equity gaps in education in the region by 2030. Also, when discussing student success it's helpful to note that the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard data shows NKU has a 49% graduation rate.

NKU is also known for supporting adult learners and transfer students through its Adult and Transfer Center. These students are assigned personal advisors to help individualize degree plans. They may also receive credit for prior learning, such as work or military training. They may be able to take accelerated courses to earn degrees faster.

NKU's online bachelor's degrees in technology and health provide the highest earnings on average. Annual median salaries range from $65,400 in health services/allied health/health sciences to $75,300 in computer and information sciences.

Additionally, OnlineU's proprietary Salary Score ranks colleges by how much their alumni earn compared to graduates with the same degree nationwide. Out of 100 total points, NKU has a bachelor's degree Salary Score of 43, 37 for its master's degrees, and 23 for its doctoral degrees. Of all its programs, health services/allied health/health sciences bachelor's degrees have the highest salary score at 93.

College Scorecard shows NKU accepts 80% of applicants, which means that the overwhelming majority of students who apply are accepted. While it considers entrance exams during the application process, not all students must submit their scores. However, students who applied to NKU that did take the test usually have combined SAT scores between 983 and 1210 and combined ACT scores between 20 and 26.

First-year students must have a 2.0 unweighted GPA to be considered for admission. Those with 2.7499 or less must submit SAT/ACT scores. Those with 2.75 and higher are offered admission regardless of entrance exam scores. Graduate programs may have individual minimum GPA requirements, depending on the field of study.

Although individual degree programs may have additional requirements, NKU's admission requirements for first-year distance learners generally include the following:

• An application 
• A $40 application fee
• Official high school transcripts or GED
• Official college transcripts, if transferring credits
• Official military transcripts, if applicable
• SAT/ACT scores, as determined by your GPA

Schools such as NKU have enrollment advisors available to help you when applying to college to ensure you have what you need.

Tuition for NKU's online undergraduate students is $473 per credit hour, not including fees. However, first-time online students may be eligible for NKU's Path to Success Scholarship with Tuition Lock. The scholarship brings tuition down to $291 per credit hour, including fees. An enrollment advisor or financial aid officer can provide more information.

Tuition for online graduate programs varies by major. For example, tuition for an online master's in education - teacher as leader in special education is $412 per credit hour, while an online master's in health administration is $536 per credit hour.

If you are interested in budget-friendly college programs, check out our list of the most affordable online schools.