Northern Kentucky University's published cost of attendance totals $19,471 per year, comprising $10,896 in-state tuition, $11,660 for room and board, and $800 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $21,480, bringing their total cost to $32,755.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $19,725 |
| Tuition and Fees | $21,912 |
| Room and Board | $12,712 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,534 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $8,191 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $2,603 |
| $30–48k | $3,630 |
| $48–75k | $6,761 |
| $75–110k | $12,679 |
| $110k+ | $14,522 |
Northern Kentucky University's published cost of attendance totals $19,471 per year, comprising $10,896 in-state tuition, $11,660 for room and board, and $800 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $21,480, bringing their total cost to $32,755. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with net price averaging $7,168 across all income levels.
This represents financial aid savings of $12,303, or 63% of the published cost. Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $14,093, Northern Kentucky University costs $6,925 less annually, positioning it as a high-value option within its institutional category. The substantial gap between sticker price and actual cost reflects the university's commitment to affordability through institutional aid and federal grant programs.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Northern Kentucky University graduates carry median debt of $23,000, around the national average and below the peer median of $21,105. Debt levels range from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating variation in borrowing patterns among graduates.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 indicates manageable borrowing relative to post-graduation income, falling within sustainable ranges for loan repayment. Compared to peer institutions, Northern Kentucky University graduates borrow $1,895 less while earning $104 more, creating favorable debt-to-income dynamics.
Parent PLUS borrowers face median debt of $13,307 with monthly payments of $175, representing additional family investment in education. The combination of moderate debt levels with solid earnings creates conditions supporting successful loan repayment for most graduates.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Northern Kentucky University delivers solid return on educational investment through controlled costs and earnings that exceed expectations. Graduates earn $3,819 beyond what similar students achieve at peer institutions, ranking at the 70.2nd percentile for value-added performance.
With median debt of $23,000 and median earnings of $50,220, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 supports manageable repayment timelines. Compared to peer institutions, Northern Kentucky University graduates earn $104 more annually while borrowing $1,895 less, creating superior financial positioning for loan repayment and career launching.
The combination of earnings beyond expectations, controlled debt levels, and competitive net pricing positions Northern Kentucky University as a strong value proposition. Return on investment percentile of 56% places the university above average in delivering financial value relative to educational costs.
Northern Kentucky University demonstrates strong commitment to affordability through comprehensive financial aid programs. The average financial aid package reduces costs by $12,303, bringing net price to $7,168 from a sticker price of $19,471.
This 63% reduction in published costs reflects effective targeting of aid resources toward student need. The 23.5% Pell share indicates moderate enrollment of students from lower-income backgrounds, consistent with a regional public university mission.
Net price positioning $6,925 below peer median demonstrates competitive affordability within Northern Kentucky University's institutional category. The progressive net price structure, with lowest-income families paying just $1,813, enables access for students who might otherwise face financial barriers to higher education.
