Freshman Standards & Requirements

NKU is test optional for all freshman applicants

• Freshmen applicants with a 2.75 and greater unweighted high school GPA will be offered admission regardless of ACT/SAT scores.
• Freshmen applicants with a 2.5-2.749 unweighted high school GPA are not required to submit ACT/SAT scores. However, submitting test scores may allow for direct placement into their major if their application reveals zero or one overall deficiency*. If the applicant chooses not to submit test scores at all, or if their application reveal 2 or greater deficiencies*, they will be admitted into our Pathfinders Program.
• Freshmen applicants with a 2.0-2.49 unweighted high school GPA are not required to submit ACT/SAT scores and will be admitted into our Pathfinders Program.
• Freshmen applicants must have a 2.0 unweighted high school GPA to be considered for admission. 
  

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

*Students admitted to NKU that do not meet a specific Kentucky Pre-College Curriculum area (or areas) are considered to have one or more academic deficiencies. These specific areas are listed in the dropdown box below.

• 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
    
  • Two years of the same foreign language