Skip to main content

About NKU

Boldly Pursue Your Dreams
It's time to make your goals a reality. Whether you're still choosing a path, or you know exactly what lies ahead, NKU will help turn your ambitions into lifelong success.
Students walking on campus

Nearly 16,000 Student Enrollment

As a public comprehensive university located in a major metropolitan area, Northern Kentucky University delivers innovative, student-centered education and engages in impactful scholarly and creative endeavors, all of which empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives, while contributing to the economic, civic and social vitality of the region.

Enrollment and Degree Management

NKU campus in the Spring

90+ Majors | 22 Master's Programs | 1 Law School

Our goal is to increase the educational attainment levels of the region by serving more students, producing superior graduates, and promoting lifelong learning.

Majors and Colleges

NKU campus in the Spring

One Of America's Top Colleges

For the 11th year in a row, Northern Kentucky University has been named as one of America’s Top Colleges by Forbes. The magazine ranked 650 public and private universities as measured by students’ return on their investment.

Forbes

NKU campus in the Fall

19:1 Student to Faculty Ratio

You know the kind of place that offers a comfortable, safe, energetic learning environment - a place that will get the most out of you and mold you into a person who will shape the future? We're that kind of place.

Student & Alumni Success Stories

An NKU basketball player in action

17 Division I Athletic Teams | 3 National Championships

Northern Kentucky is a full Division I member and NKU's student-athletes have the opportunity to compete for berths into NCAA Championships.

Norse Athletics

Viktor Viking with students at an activity

200+ Student Organizations

Our lively campus community will welcome you and offer you endless opportunities to build lifelong skills, get involved, and create lasting relationships with others in the process. 

Life @ NKU

An NKU student in China

Learn In Any Time Zone

NKU's campus isn't the only place our students learn. Study abroad trips are life-changing experiences, and your journey can take you as far away - or as close - as you want.

Education Abroad

An aerial view of Greater Cincinnati

Highland Heights Named One of the Safest Cities

Just over 7,000 people reside in Highland Heights, a town in Northern Kentucky between the Licking and Ohio Rivers. However, around 15,000 people visit Highland Heights throughout the year to attend Northern Kentucky University, most of whom commute to the school from nearby towns. Despite the ballooning population during the school year, Highland Heights remains one of the safest cities in Kentucky.

Highland Heights, KY Police Department

Success by Design logo

Success by Design: Our Roadmap to Empowering the Future

Northern Kentucky University empowers the future of our students and enhances the economic, social and civic vitality of our region.

Through our Success by Design strategic framework, NKU is committed to advancing student success aligned with the needs of the region through providing access to all individuals seeking a higher education, removing barriers to help students complete their higher education goals, and preparing students for productive careers and community engagement.

More on Success by Design

community engagement
There are countless ways to make an impact, whether it's here at home or across the globe.

The Community

Join fellow students and participate in the annual Spring into Service event or volunteer for Service on Saturday.

The Region

Experience philanthropic work by signing up for one of several classes that take part in the Mayerson Student Philanthropy Project.

The World

Travel to exotic locales as part of an alternative spring break. Students have provided healthcare to community clinics in Mexico and refurbished schools in the Caribbean.

Business

Find the support you need to launch or grow your business. Our faculty, staff, and student resources are at your disposal – let’s build something special, together.

careers at NKU

Join over 1,900 faculty and staff at Northern Kentucky University. Our promise is to put students first, make a lasting impact and lead with excellence. Come make a difference with us.

Related Links