Transfer Students: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

When you transfer to NKU, you'll find the right course of study to prepare you for success.

Join the growing number of students who are transferring to Northern Kentucky University, a modern campus offering more than 90 academic majors.

Fall 2026 & Spring 2027 Transfer Student Merit Scholarships

Transfer students admitted with a 3.0 weighted high school or college GPA – as verified on their official transcript(s) – will be considered for merit scholarship awards.

The GPA used for scholarship consideration will be determined based on the academic credentials submitted during the admissions process. Applicants who have earned 24 or more college credit hours will be evaluated for admission and scholarship eligibility based on their cumulative college GPA.

Priority award consideration will be given to transfer students who have applied and submitted the necessary application materials by the following deadlines:

Fall 2026 - June 15, 2026
Spring 2027 - November 1, 2026.

Scholarship Level	Eligibility Criteria	Amount	Renewal Criteria
Founders Scholarship	3.95+ weighted HS GPA or College GPA (whichever is used for admission) Kentucky Residents Only	$3,000	Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as outlined by the Department of Education. Maintain good academic standing – at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA Earn at least 67% of total cumulative credit hours attempted Renewal Timeline (Whichever comes first): Up to 3 additional calendar years OR 1^st Bachelor's Degree OR Up to 180 credit hours Maintain continuous enrollment Eligibililty clock starts the first semester that classes are taken
KCTCS Scholars Award	3.95+ from a KCTCS college - $3,000 Cumulative GPA of 3.00 – 3.94 from a KCTCS college - $2,500 In addition, must have earned at least 36 credit hours at your KCTCS school. Student must be transferring directly to NKU from a KCTCS school to be eligible. Competitive scholarship due to a limited number of Scholars Awards available. Apply by the priority deadline for consideration. Kentucky Residents Only	Up to $3,000	Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as outlined by the Department of Education. Maintain good academic standing – at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA Earn at least 67% of total cumulative credit hours attempted Renewal Timeline (Whichever comes first): Up to 3 additional calendar years OR 1^st Bachelor's Degree OR Up to 180 credit hours Maintain continuous enrollment Eligibililty clock starts the first semester that classes are taken
Excellence Scholarship	3.70-3.94 weighted HS GPA or College GPA (whichever is used for admission (Kentucky) 3.70+ weighted HS GPA or College GPA (whichever is used for admission) (Ohio and Indiana) Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana Residents Only	$2,000	Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as outlined by the Department of Education. Maintain good academic standing – at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA Earn at least 67% of total cumulative credit hours attempted Renewal Timeline (Whichever comes first): Up to 3 additional calendar years OR 1^st Bachelor's Degree OR Up to 180 credit hours Maintain continuous enrollment Eligibililty clock starts the first semester that classes are taken
Commonwealth Scholarship	3.00-3.69 weighted HS GPA or College GPA (whichever is used for admission) Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana Residents Only	$1,000	Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as outlined by the Department of Education. Maintain good academic standing – at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA Earn at least 67% of total cumulative credit hours attempted Renewal Timeline (Whichever comes first): Up to 3 additional calendar years OR 1^st Bachelor's Degree OR Up to 180 credit hours Maintain continuous enrollment Eligibililty clock starts the first semester that classes are taken

Please Note: Your financial aid may be modified or cancelled at any time due to lack of satisfactory academic progress, verification, change in enrollment, residency, eligibility, funding availability, or any other reason specified by federal, state, or institutional regulations or policies.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

Additional Scholarship Application Details

Deadline: January 16, 2026 (CLOSED)

Northern Kentucky University awards several academic scholarships each year to continuing students. The process is very competitive. Generally, students with outstanding academic merits will receive scholarship consideration.

Federal Grants and Loans

How to Apply for Federal Financial Aid

More than 70% of students at Northern Kentucky University receive financial aid. Grants and student loans can help cover the cost of tuition, room and board, and books.

In order for the Office of Student Financial Assistance at NKU to determine your eligibility for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online via studentaid.gov. Please be sure to include NKU school code: 009275 to ensure that we receive your data.

Transfer Students

Fall 2026 & Spring 2027 Transfer Student Merit Scholarships

The Office of Student Financial Assistance

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