Direct Admit FAQs

“By offering direct admission to qualified students, we are leading the region and Commonwealth of Kentucky in what it means to be a higher education university in the 21^st century.” -NKU President, Dr. Cady-Short Thompson

After careful research, we concluded that the traditional admissions process – which includes a formal application, application fee, and essay – was a barrier to admission. By eliminating this formal process, NKU is able to work directly with students and families in supporting their transition to NKU.

Any current high school senior with a GPA of 2.75 or higher who currently lives in the United States is eligible to be directly admitted into NKU. Eligible students from Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana should receive an email informing them of being directly admitted. All other eligible students will complete a short form to begin the Direct Admit process.

Current high school seniors who have a GPA between a 2.0 – 2.749 still meet the NKU Admission Standards and are considered for admission into NKU. These students will complete a simplified application. There is no application fee.

Once you receive the email from NKU informing you of direct admission, you’ll click the link in the email to accept Direct Admit. Your personal NKU Admissions Counselor will reach out to you to begin solidifying your spot at NKU.

Direct Admit is a conditional admission for qualified students as determined by current high school GPA. Students will have the opportunity to submit an unofficial transcript to determine current GPA, as well. Final admission into NKU is still determined by the final, official high school transcript upon graduation. Students will work with NKU and their high school counselors to submit their unofficial and/or final transcript(s).

No, Direct Admit does not equate to open access or admission into NKU regardless of GPA. All admissions decisions - including Direct Admit - adhere to NKU’s Admission Academic Standards.

Thank you for your interest in NKU. Unfortunately, at this time your high school GPA does not qualify you for admission into NKU. If your GPA does rise to a 2.0 or above, please revisit this page to submit your form for admission consideration. Thank you.