Northern Kentucky University: what international applicants need

What are Northern Kentucky University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Northern Kentucky University has one application deadline for 2026–27: Regular Decision on July 28, 2027.

• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is Northern Kentucky University's acceptance rate?

67.6% for students who started in fall 2024: Northern Kentucky University admitted 4,098 of its 6,058 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Northern Kentucky University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

It depends. Northern Kentucky University requires SAT or ACT scores from some applicants or programs only for 2026–27, and its testing page says which.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Regular Decision deadline (July 28, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is June 5, 2027: scores on June 21, 2027, registration by May 21, 2027 (late registration May 25, 2027).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for Northern Kentucky University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 480–560 in Math and 473–590 in Reading and Writing (5% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 18–25.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Northern Kentucky University's application fee for international students?

Northern Kentucky University's application fee is $40 for international applicants, while US applicants pay nothing.

Does Northern Kentucky University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

No. Northern Kentucky University doesn't accept the Common App fee waiver.

• If the fee is a real obstacle, write to the admissions office: some universities grant waivers on request.

Which English tests does Northern Kentucky University accept?

Northern Kentucky University lists the TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic as accepted English proficiency tests for 2026–27.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

Does Northern Kentucky University accept the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test isn't among the English tests Northern Kentucky University lists for 2026–27 (TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic). Check its international page before you register.

How many recommendation letters does Northern Kentucky University require?

Northern Kentucky University doesn't require recommendation letters on the Common App for 2026–27.

• Letters that aren't required can still be accepted: the university's site says whether it reads them.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Northern Kentucky University require the Common App personal essay?

No. Northern Kentucky University doesn't require the Common App personal essay for 2026–27, though you can still send it: the Common App lets you submit it to any university.

How many international students does Northern Kentucky University have?

314 of Northern Kentucky University's 10,163 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 3.1%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Northern Kentucky University cost for international students?

Northern Kentucky University is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $21,912 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $11,088). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $12,712. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $37,924 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source