Northern Kentucky University's published cost of attendance is $19,725. Financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $2,603, middle-income families pay around $6,761, and higher-income families pay approximately $14,522.
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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 is $19,725. Financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $2,603, middle-income families pay around $6,761, and higher-income families pay approximately $14,522. Azimuth ranks Northern Kentucky University #156 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Northern Kentucky's aid structure combines federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional aid. Most students apply for need-based aid using the FAFSA, and the university participates in federal work-study programs. The gap between published cost and net price reflects institutional aid commitments, though the size of that gap varies by income level — a pattern worth understanding when comparing sticker price across institutions. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $23,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $14,877; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $58,429, median federal debt of $23,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $260 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Northern Kentucky University earn median 4-year earnings of $58,429, placing Northern Kentucky University in the 38.4 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $7,689 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 27.1 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Northern Kentucky University #915 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major. Business Administration, Management and Operations reports 409 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $67,319, ranked #134 nationally in its major. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing reports 274 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $77,404, ranked #261 nationally in its major. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods reports 125 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $42,709, ranked #207 nationally in its major. Computer and Information Sciences, General reports 114 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $82,982, ranked #125 nationally in its major.
