Northern Kentucky University

NKU Marketing & Communications 21 October 2025 1 minute read

October 8, 2025 — For the third consecutive year, Northern Kentucky University has been recognized as one of the top universities in the nation for best value by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). According to WSJ’s latest 2026 report, NKU ranks 62nd out of nearly 600 universities around the country in the best value. For the second year, NKU is the only public university in the region and the commonwealth that made WSJ’s top 100 ranking!

The report focuses on how quickly a degree from NKU pays for its cost through the salary earned by the student after graduation. According to the study, it takes graduates one year and two months to pay off the net price of a degree from NKU. This ranking clearly highlights NKU’s competitive edge in the region and the state.

“We are proud to be recognized among the nation’s best values in higher education. As the top-ranked public university in the Commonwealth and our region, this honor reflects our deep commitment to students—providing them with an affordable, high-quality education that prepares them to thrive,” says NKU President Dr. Cady Short-Thompson. “This recognition reaffirms the vital role we play in changing lives and the region.”

In recent years, NKU has experienced steady enrollment numbers, increased graduation rates and decreases in students’ time-to-degree. This recognition from WSJ reinforces NKU’s reputation as the region’s premier university, offering a high value education and paths to successful and fulfilling careers.

About Northern Kentucky University: NKU is an entrepreneurial state university of more than 15,000 students on a thriving suburban campus nestled between Highland Heights, Kentucky and bustling downtown Cincinnati. Ranked in the top 65 out of nearly 600 universities nationwide by The Wall Street Journal for exceptional value, we are a regionally engaged university committed to delivering an innovative, student-centered education. We empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives, while contributing to the economic, civic and social vitality of the region. For more information, visit nku.edu.