Institutional Grants (Need-Based Aid)
Northern Kentucky University offers three need-based aid programs:
- Northern Difference
- Strive NKU Promise Program
- Freshman/Sophomore Grant Program
THE NORTHERN DIFFERENCE is a grant program targeted toward Kentucky residents who demonstrate financial need. It is used to fund the difference between the cost of attending NKU (tuition, fees, books, room and board) and the federal, state and institutional grants awarded to the student. It is renewable for up to eight semesters or four years. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA; attend NKU as a full-time student and remain Pell Grant eligible to renew.
Qualifications:
- Federal Pell Grant eligible
- Resident of Kentucky
- First-time Freshman
- Enrolled at NKU full-time (12 hours a semester)
- Submit application for admission by March 1
- Be accepted by NKU with regular admission status
- Have completed the FAFSA by March 1
- Family income falls below 150% or below national poverty level
THE STRIVE NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY PROMISE PROGRAM is a grant program targeted toward students who are 2012 graduates of Holmes, Holy Cross, Covington Latin, Newport or Newport Central Catholic High Schools who demonstrate financial need. Eligible students will receive a grant that will cover the difference between the cost of attending NKU (tuition, fees, and books) and the federal, state and institutional grants awarded to the student. It is renewable for up to eight semesters or four years. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA; attend NKU as a full-time student and remain Pell Grant eligible to renew.
Qualifications:
- Federal Pell Grant eligible
- Resident of the cities of Newport or Covington
- 2012 graduates of Holmes, Holy Cross, Newport or Newport Central Catholic High Schools
- First-time Freshman
- Enrolled at NKU full-time (12 hours a semester)
- Submit application for admission by March 1, 2012
- Be accepted by NKU with regular admission status
- Have completed the FAFSA by March 1, 2012
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE GRANT PROGRAM is targeted toward freshman and sophomore students at NKU who demonstrate need as determined by filing out a FAFSA and having an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $5000 or less. Students can qualify for up to $3000 annually. Funds are limited so an early admission and FAFSA application is encouraged. Student may receive award for a total of two years (Freshman/Sophomore years only).
Qualifications:
- Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $5000 or less
- First-time Freshman or a first year Sophomore