Freshman Standards & Requirements

NKU is test optional for all freshmen applicants

• New freshmen who are degree-seeking with an unweighted high school GPA of 2.50 or above on a 4.00 scale are eligible for admission, regardless of ACT or SAT scores. 
  
• New freshmen who are degree-seeking with an unweighted high school GPA of 2.0 – 2.49 on a 4.00 scale are eligible for admission to NKU through the Pathfinders program, regardless of ACT or SAT scores. Degree-seeking students will be placed into the Interdisciplinary Studies Associate’s Degree track until they fulfill the Pathfinders requirements, at which time they can declare the major of their choosing in a Baccalaureate Degree track. 
• Students admitted based on their unweighted high school GPA who are 24 years of age and older as of the first day of the semester for which they are applying are exempt from Pathfinders and must enter into a learning contract.
  

• All admitted undergraduate degree-seeking students must meet Kentucky college readiness standards prior to the first day of the semester for which they are applying. Students that do not meet the college readiness standards by their first day of classes will be placed in courses accordingly.
• All degree-seeking students are evaluated for academic deficiencies (including foreign language) as defined by the Kentucky college readiness standards. Students may need to enroll in required college preparatory coursework during their first semester, as determined by test scores, placement testing, and transcripts on a case-by-case basis.
  

All undergraduate degree-seeking students will be required to provide an official, final high school transcript or GED before the final day of midterms for the semester for which they are applying. See the academic calendar for specific dates. Proof of an official, final high school transcript or GED is also required for the disbursement of financial aid, in alignment to the Federal Financial Aid Handbook and NKU institutional policies.

Test scores are not used during the admission decision process. However, test scores may be required to determine course placement, academic readiness, and/or academic deficiencies. Placement testing prior to the start of the first semester may be required if test scores are not provided.

Students with a GED passing score of 145 or above are admitted to NKU, regardless of ACT or SAT scores. Submission of a GED score (in the absence of a high school transcript) is required and placement in Standard Admission, the Pathfinders program, or a Learning Contract is dependent on a review of the score and outcome on requested placement testing. 

Any student with previous disciplinary issues at another institution or with any felony charges will be reviewed before continuing in the admissions process. 

• Undergraduate students who apply but are denied admission may submit an appeal to the Admissions Appeals Committee. 
• An appeal must be submitted by the applicant themselves and not by parents, guardians, or school officials. The appeal, in the form of a letter, must be written and submitted to the Director of Undergraduate Admissions within 30 days of the denial decision.
• The letter of appeal should include a personal statement outlining the applicant’s academic preparation to succeed at NKU and, if desired, any explanation of prior circumstances that contributed to their past academic performance.
• In addition to the letter, one (1) letter of recommendation outlining the applicant’s academic preparation and abilities should be submitted to the Director of Undergraduate Admissions. Letters from family members will not be accepted.
• The deadline to appeal is August 1 for any term in the fall semester and December 1 for any term in the spring semester. Applicants may appeal only once for the given term and the resulting decision is final.
• Applicants may reapply to a future term but should provide new information.
  
• Letters addressed to the Director may be submitted by email to nkuadmissions@nku.edu or by mail to the following address:
  
  Northern Kentucky University
  Office of Admissions
  Lucas Administrative Center
  400 Nunn Drive
  Highland Heights, KY 41099