Freshman Standards & Requirements: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

Freshman Admissions Standards

NKU is test optional for most freshman applicants

Freshmen applicants with a 2.75 and greater unweighted high school GPA will be offered admissions regardless of ACT/SAT scores.
Freshmen applicants with a 2.7499 unweighted high school GPA and less will be required to submit ACT/SAT scores to complete their admissions file.
Freshmen applicants must have a 2.0 unweighted high school GPA to be considered for admissions.

For more information about NKU's Test Optional Policy click here.

Admissions Requirements

Successful completion of Kentucky's Pre-College Curriculum
- 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

Additional Requirements for 2.7499 - 2.0 unweighted high school GPA

ACT sub scores of 18 in English, math and reading

-OR-

SAT(Prior to 3/2016) math and writing sub scores of 430, critical reading score of 450

-OR-

SAT(After 3/2016) Evidence-based reading and writing score of 480, math score of 470

If you have two or more deficiencies, you are encouraged to retake an ACT or SAT so an additional review of your file may be completed. Students with two or more deficiencies may be asked to submit an essay, letters of recommendation and an activities portfolio before an admission decision can be rendered. You will be contacted by the Office of Admissions if these materials are required for your application.

Kentucky CPE Admission Standards

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education requires students to meet readiness standards to enter Kentucky public colleges and universities. If your standardized test scores fall below the CPE college readiness standards you will be required to take a College Placement Test to determine proper placement in English, math, and/or reading prior to course registration.

CPE Placement Standards

ACT: English 18, Math 19, Reading 20

SAT (Prior to 3/2016): Writing 430, Math 460, Reading 470

SAT (After 3/2016): Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 480, Math 500

If your scores fall below the above mentioned, you must take a College Placement
Test(s) in each of the areas in which you are deficient. You will NOT be able to register for classes until your College Placement Test(s) have been taken. The College Placement Test is only available to admitted students. You may choose to take the opportunity to re-take the ACT test to raise your subject scores.

For more information about Placement Tests, visit NKU Testing.

Selective Admission Programs

Admission to NKU does not guarantee acceptance to all academic programs. The following academic program has requirements above those listed for regular admission: Nursing. Additionally, music requires an audition.

Freshman Standards & Requirements

NKU is test optional for most freshman applicants

Office of Admissions

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