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Northern Kentucky University provides scholarships to new freshmen and transfer students as well as current NKU students.

  • In-State Freshman

    First-Time Freshman

    NKU offers academic scholarships each year to incoming freshman class.


  • Current Students

    Continuing Students

    Resources for current NKU students who are looking for additional financial aid.


  • Transfer Students

    Transfer Students

    Join the growing number of students who are transferring to Northern Kentucky University, a modern campus offering more than 80 academic majors.


Scholarship Application Links

Through the generosity of our donors, NKU has scholarship opportunities available for first-time freshman, continuing and transfer students. To be considered for these scholarship opportunities, please complete the appropriate scholarship application by linking on one of the links below.
 

Please Note: You will only need to complete this one scholarship application.

Deadline: Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:59pm EST.
 
The Honors College and NKU School of the Arts do have separate applications for some of their scholarships. Please visit their websites for additional information: NKU Honors College or NKU School of the Arts
 
Deadline: February 28th, 2025 at 11:59pm EST
Please Note: The Educational Diversity and Access Scholarship is for first time Freshman only.
 
Deadline: March 17, 2025 at 11:59pm EST.
 
 

Merit Scholarships 

Northern Kentucky University awards more than one million dollars in academic scholarships each year to incoming freshman. The scholarship process is very competitive. Generally, students with academic merits at these levels or higher will receive consideration.

Meeting the guidelines listed below does not guarantee you a scholarship offer, but we can ensure each applicant will receive careful consideration and fair treatment in what is a very competitive process.

Merit scholarships are awarded for eight consecutive fall and spring semesters of full-time undergraduate work. Each scholarship has specific academic renewal requirements.

View Scholarship Details for Incoming Freshman

 

To determine a student's financial need, Northern Kentucky University uses the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA). This form must be completed with the results sent to the university for consideration of need-based scholarships.

Northern Kentucky University shall provide equal opportunity in all aspects of employment, education,and activities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.


 

Program & Department Scholarships:

To view a list of current donor/foundation scholarships by college/department, please visit the link below:

View Departments Offering Scholarships