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How to Apply Online

Step 1

After entering the "Apply for Admission" section of the NKU website, you will be asked for your Social Security Number. This is required so that our system can enter your application under the correct student account. You will also be asked to enter your PIN.  Your PIN number is your six digit birth date.  For example, if your birthday is January 2, 1982 you would enter 010282 as your PIN number.

Step 2

The next few pages will lead you through various parts of the application process, including enrollment information (type of student, term for which you are applying, major, personal information, high school and college history (if applicable) and residency.

Step 3

When you complete the application, you will have an opportunity to review what you have entered, to ensure that it is correct, and then submit it. You can pay the non-refundable application fee online by credit card or print out the check or money order form (on the payment screen of the online application) and mail it to the Student Account Services Office within 30 days. If you do not have a credit card readily available at the time that you submit your application, you may return to your submitted application at a later time and pay by credit card. 

After submitting your application, please print a copy for your own records.  Using your login and pin, you may return to the Review Application section and print at any time. You are also encouraged to bring a printed copy of this application when you meet with your academic advisor for the first time (degree seeking only are eligible for academic advisement)

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Choose your application type

To ensure the proper processing of your application you must choose the correct admission application type.

Please use this brief summary for Undergraduate and Graduate Admission to determine your application type:

Undergraduate Degree Seeking Options

Freshman - You have not attempted coursework at a regionally accredited college or university (except courses taken as a non-degree student at NKU or as an early admission student).

Readmission - You have attempted coursework at NKU previously but have not been enrolled during the past four years preceding the semester in which this application is made to re-enter the University.

Transfer - You have attempted coursework for credit at another regionally accredited college or university.  (You should be eligible for return to your previous institution. See our Transfer Services)

Transfer-Dual Admit - You are a freshman who has applied to the NKU-Gateway dual admissions program and you are enrolled in an Associate degree program at Gateway that is designed for transfer to NKU.

Post Bachelor-Degree Seeking - You have received a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and you intend to enroll for additional undergraduate credit as degree seeking.

Undergraduate Non-Degree Seeking Options

Non-Degree - You have earned a high school diploma by completing the required academic credits (a certificate of completion is not acceptable) or GED but do not intend to enter a degree program at the time of application.  Applicants may be required to produce an official high school diploma (showing final high school G.P.A., credits earned and graduation date) or official college transcripts (showing attendance dates and final G.P.A.).  

School-Based Scholars - You are a high school student (junior or senior status) who wishes to enroll in classes at NKU (A high school G.P.A of  3.00, ACT composite of 20 or above (940 SAT) and permission of guidance counselor and parent/guardian).  

Visiting-Transient - You attend another college or university but wish to enroll at NKU for one semester only.  (Note requirements listed for non-degree.)

Visiting-Consortium - You attend another college or university that is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities and desire to attend classes at NKU.  (See your home institution for their policies and procedures to gain acceptance to this program).  (Note requirements listed for non-degree.)

Post Bachelor Non-Degree Seeking - You have received a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and intend to enroll for additional undergraduate credit as non-degree seeking. (Note requirements for non-degree.)

*Non-degree students must meet all pre-requisite requirements in order to register for desired courses.

Graduate Admission Categories

Degree Seeking - If you plan to earn a master's degree in any of our programs, you will be considered a degree seeking student.  You must possess a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA and a minimum 3.0 on all graduate work to be considered for admission.  Each program will have an additional set of admission requirements which may include a standardized test and writing sample.  Check with the program for specific information.

Unclassified - If you do not plan to enter a degree program at this time, you may enter as an Unclassified student. Certificate programs are considered non-degree.  You must possess a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA and a minimum 3.0 on all graduate work to be considered for admission.  Certificate programs may have additional requirements for admissions.  Check with the program for specific information.

Visiting - If you are attending another university and want to take a course from NKU to transfer to that university, you may do so as a Visiting student.  In addition to the main application, you must submit the Visiting Student form signed by your advisor.  This form is available in a downloadable pdf format at here (click on Applications).  Transcripts are not required except for students who want to take a course in the College of Business.

Consortium - You are designated a Consortium student if you are attending a university within the Greater Cincinnati area and are taking the NKU course through the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities (GCCCU).

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Selective Undergraduate Admissions Program Information


Admission to Northern Kentucky University does not ensure acceptance into a selective admission degree program. Students interested in applying to these programs should contact the Nursing and Health Professions Department for program application materials. Students must be accepted for admission to the University and submit a selective application and necessary credentials by the following deadlines for each selective program:


Nursing — (859) 572-5248 — August 15 (priority for spring applicants), January 15 (priority for fall applicants)

Radiologic Science — (859) 572-5476 — February 14 (priority)

Respiratory Care - (859) 572-5557 or (859) 572-5608 — February 14 (priority)

Several other academic programs at NKU practice selective admissions, but do not require an application. These programs admit students as pre-majors until they have met program requirements.