Graduation: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

Am I Ready to Graduate?

Undergraduate

Total Hours Earned Requirement
Associate Degree: minimum 60 semester hours. GPA must be 2.0 or higher or as required by degree program
Bachelor's Degree: minimum 120 semester hours. GPA must be 2.0 or higher or as required by degree program
Post-Baccalaureate: minimum 30 semester hours beyond hours earned for previous degree(s)

Residency Requirements
Associate Degree: last 20 credit hours completed at NKU
Bachelor's Degree: last 30 credit hours completed at NKU and Minimum 25% of coursework completed at NKU

Upper Division Requirement
Bachelor's Degree: 45 credit hours at 300 level or above

General Education Requirements*
Major Area of Study Requirements*
Secondary Area of Study Requirements - Minor and/or Focus*
*As outlined in your governing catalog

Graduate

Grading Policy: Graduate Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. For full details on Grades, Academic Probation and other grading issues, see the graduate catalog.
Course Age: Courses older than eight years for any graduate program cannot be used toward a degree

When Do I Apply for Graduation?

Pay application graduation fee
(online via myNKU Biller Direct or in person in the Student Account Services Office, AC 235)

Application Deadlines and Graduation Fees

Fall semester graduation:	Fee
First day of spring term through May 31^st	$50
June 1^st through August 31^st	$80
September 1^st through September 30^th	$100

Spring semester graduation:	Fee
First day of fall term through November 30^th	$50
December 1^st through January 15^th	$80
January 16^th through February 15^th	$100

Summer semester graduation:	Fee
First day of spring term through April 30^th	$50
May 1^st through May 31^st	$80
June 1^st through June 30^th	$100

How Do I Apply or Change Graduation Term?

Log into myNKU to complete your graduation application.

Student can do the following in myNKU: (see reference linked below)

Apply or change graduation term
Change Diploma name and address
Withdraw graduation application

Quick Reference: How to manage graduation application

What Does My Graduation Status Mean?

Where can the application graduation status and customer status be found:

Advisor UI
Degree Audit of student
Student Apply to Graduate panel
BW Graduation Report

What are the graduation status meanings?

Graduation Candidate – will be applied by the system when the student applies to
graduate (1 – graduation status). Fee assigned is based on date of application.
Graduation Withdrawn – student has withdrawn application (2 – graduation status). The application fee will be refunded where appropriate.
Graduation Denied – assigned by registrar graduation processor when program
certification is missing or student did not meet the requirements of the
degree (3 - graduation status). Application fee is not refunded.
Graduated– should be applied by the system when the job to graduate students is
completed (4 – graduation status).

How to translate Customer Status assigned by registrar graduation processor?

Customer Status Definitions UG = Undergraduate. GR = Graduate.

Customer Status	Definition	Student’s Next Steps	Graduation by Program Level
Customer Status +Application Withdrawn	Definition A late application has been denied by advisor or Adean. Refund has been electronically submitted to student account.	Student’s Next Steps Contact advisor.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status *Checkout Incomplete	Definition Graduation application is not meeting requirements for multiple reasons.	Student’s Next Steps Registrar graduation processor will send email explaining reasons and next steps.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status *Declare Program Track	Definition Student's program requires that a track be declared.	Student’s Next Steps Student or advisor must submit a program change to add the missing track. Contact advisor.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level
Customer Status *Declare Secondary Area	Definition Student's program requires a secondary area (Major, Minor, or Focus) in order to complete program requirements.	Student’s Next Steps Student or advisor must submit a program change to add the missing secondary area. Contact advisor.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level
Customer Status *Duplicate Courses	Definition Student has a course(s) that is duplicated in the degree audit and is overstating total credit hours earned.	Student’s Next Steps Duplicate course credit hours must be subtracted from total credit hours earned. Contact Advisor.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status *Excess Substitutions	Definition Student has more than 40% of courses via substitutions. Must receive approval to use substitutions.	Student’s Next Steps Review degree audit and contact advisor.	Graduation by Program Level	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status *Expired Courses	Definition Graduate level courses must be completed within six years of declaring degree. Must receive approval to use expired courses.	Student’s Next Steps Review degree audit and contact advisor.	Graduation by Program Level	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status *Final Checkout	Definition Student’s record is ready for degree conferral.	Student’s Next Steps Registrar’s office will finalize degree according to designated timelines and release transcript.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status *Honors Major Change	Definition Student needs the honor added to record.	Student’s Next Steps Review degree audit and contact honors advisor.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level
Customer Status *Last 25% Hours	Definition Students must complete a minimum of 25% of their coursework at NKU.	Student’s Next Steps Review degree audit and contact advisor.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level
Customer Status *Last 30 Hours	Definition Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must complete the last 30 hours of their coursework at NKU.	Student’s Next Steps Review degree audit and contact advisor.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level
Customer Status +Late Applicant	Definition Student has applied for graduation after the application window has closed. An email will be sent to the advisor and student. The advisor and a Dean must approve the late applicant, forward email approval and program certification to registrar graduation contact.	Student’s Next Steps Contact Advisor.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status *Low GPA	Definition UG students must earn at least a 2.0 GPA on all work attempted at NKU. GR students must earn at least a 3.0 GPA on all work attempted at NKU.	Student’s Next Steps Review degree audit and contact advisor.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status *Missing Courses	Definition Student needs to enroll in courses directed by audit/advisor. Or final course grades are incomplete.	Student’s Next Steps Review degree audit, enroll or contact advisor.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status *Missing General Education	Definition Missing general education courses.	Student’s Next Steps Review degree audit and contact advisor.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level
Customer Status +Missing Focus1,2,3 Certification	Definition Program certification form is missing for focus. Determine focus based on priority of specialization.	Student’s Next Steps Contact focus department and request program certification form be sent electronically to registrar’s office.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level
Customer Status +Missing Major 1,2,3 Certification	Definition Program certification form is missing for major. Determine major based on priority of specialization.	Student’s Next Steps Contact major department advisor and request program certification form be sent electronically to registrar’s office.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level
Customer Status +Missing Minor 1,2,3 Certification	Definition Program certification form is missing for minor. Determine minor based on priority of specialization.	Student’s Next Steps Contact minor department/advisor and request program certification form be sent electronically to registrar’s office.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level
Customer Status +Missing Program Certifications	Definition Program certification form is missing for major and minor or focus.	Student’s Next Steps Contact advisor and request program certification form be sent electronically to registrar’s office.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status *Missing Study Abroad	Definition Study abroad course has not been submitted to registrar’s office.	Student’s Next Steps Contact study abroad office and request course details be sent to registrar’s office.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level
Customer Status *Missing Test Scores	Definition Test scores (i.e. AP, CLEP, DSST, etc.) have not been submitted to registrar’s office	Student’s Next Steps Contact testing agency and request test scores be sent to registrar’s office.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level
Customer Status *Missing Transcript	Definition Missing transcript from outside institution proving degree or course completion.	Student’s Next Steps Contact outside institution and request transcript be sent to registrar’s office.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status *Missing Upper Division	Definition Not enough credit hours in upper division courses (course level 300 or above).	Student’s Next Steps Review degree audit and contact advisor.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level
Customer Status *Missing University Credit Hours	Definition Credit hour total is not meeting the general university credit hour requirement due to missing enrollment, missing grades or duplicate courses.	Student’s Next Steps Review degree audit and contact advisor.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status *Not Enrolled in Term	Definition Student must be enrolled in courses within the same term as graduation application.	Student’s Next Steps Review degree audit and contact advisor.	Graduation by Program Level	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status *On Track to Graduate	Definition Student is on track to graduate.	Student’s Next Steps Any course schedule changes, non-passing grade, duplicate credit not resolved or areas of degree audit not clearing could delay graduation.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status +Preliminary Checkout	Definition The Degree Audit has indicated that the student is ready for a final review.	Student’s Next Steps The Registrar Graduation Contact will review to ensure student is ready for Final Checkout.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status +Program Certification Received	Definition The registrar’s office now has the certification checklist to begin reviewing graduation application.	Student’s Next Steps Review degree audit and contact advisor.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status +Program Certification Waived	Definition Program certification is provided by department to registrar’s office	Student’s Next Steps No action required by student.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level
Customer Status *Student Withdraw Application	Definition The student’s application has been denied by an advisor. Student needs to withdraw application in order to receive fee refund.	Student’s Next Steps Contact advisor. Log into myNKU and withdraw graduation application.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status *Substitution/Waiver Needed	Definition Advisor needs to submit course substitution(s)/waiver(s) within degree audit.	Student’s Next Steps Review degree audit and contact advisor.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status +Under Advisor Review	Definition Advisor needs to review the graduation application and degree audit for certification.	Student’s Next Steps Review degree audit and contact advisor.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status +Under Dean Review	Definition Student Application is being reviewed by ADean/Director.	Student’s Next Steps Review degree audit and contact advisor.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level GR
Customer Status +Under Registrar Review	Definition The registrar’s office is reviewing graduation application.	Student’s Next Steps Review degree audit and contact advisor.	Graduation by Program Level UG	Graduation by Program Level GR

*Application and Degree Audit have been reviewed by registrar graduation processor
+Application and Degree Audit have NOT been reviewed by registrar graduation processor

Any time there is a change to a graduation status or customer status, the myNKU system triggers an email to the student’s NKU email address displaying the customer status and to contact the advisor if any questions.

What is Graduation vs Commencement?

What is the difference between Graduation and Commencement?

The word “graduation” is used to describe when you complete your degree requirements. Northern Kentucky University requires students to complete an official graduation application with the correct number of credits earned, before they can receive their diploma. The graduation application is used to invite you to the commencement ceremony. You do not need to request to walk in the same term in which applied to graduate.

For example, if you finish your degree requirements in the spring semester and have submitted a spring graduation application, you are invited to attend spring commencement and can say that you “graduated” in the spring. However, it takes some time for Northern Kentucky University to evaluate your record and send an official diploma. See "When Do I Receive My Diploma/Transcript" for the diploma release schedule.

"Commencement" is the official term for the walking graduation ceremony. Students often invite family and friends to this celebration event. At Northern Kentucky University, commencement ceremonies are held in both May (spring graduates) and December (summer and fall graduates). Participating in commencement does not mean you have graduated. The graduation application is used to invite you to the commencement ceremony. You do not need to request to walk in the same term in which applied to graduate.

Graduation questions?

Office of the University Registrar
(859) 572-5556
registrar@nku.edu

Commencement questions?

Office of Special Events
specialevents@nku.edu
Click here for more information

How do I request to participate in a commencement ceremony other than the term I applied to graduate?

If you would like to participate in the commencement ceremony, but in a DIFFERENT TERM than you applied to graduate, please choose the correct participate in commencement request below.

You should only submit this form if you are requesting to participate in the commencement ceremony in a DIFFERENT TERM than you applied to graduate (finish your degree).

Participate in Fall 2025 Commencement Request

When Do I Receive My Diploma/Transcript?

Here are details about when diplomas and transcripts are released:

Paper diplomas are mailed using U.S. Postal Service following commencement each semester/term (summer, fall, spring). If you have a diploma address on file, your diploma will be mailed to this location.

The electronic or CeDiploma is provided via a link emailed to the student NKU email address or visit our certified electronic credential overview page.

The CeDiploma has legal standing, is non-repudiating, and can be validated on our Certifcation Validation page to provide absolute confidence in the credential’s authenticity. Questions should be redirected to registrar@nku.edu.

Students must satisfy all financial and administrative obligations to the University before diplomas can be released.

Planned dates when diplomas and transcripts are released:

	Fall 2024	Spring 2025	Summer 2025	Fall 2025
Graduation date to appear on transcript and diploma	Fall 202412/14/2024	Spring 202505/10/2025	Summer 202508/16/2025	Fall 202512/13/2025
Release of transcript orders with degree date posted	Fall 202401/31/2025	Spring 202506/20/2025	Summer 202509/05/2025	Fall 202501/30/2026
Release of CeDiplomas	Fall 202402/14/2025	Spring 202507/01/2025	Summer 202509/19/2025	Fall 202502/13/2026
Paper diplomas are U.S. mailed by	Fall 202402/14/2025	Spring 202507/01/2025	Summer 202509/19/2025	Fall 202502/13/2026

How Do I Order My Transcript or an Additional Diploma Copy?

To place an order for additional copies of your diploma, please click below.

Order additional Diploma

To place an order for an official transcript, click below.

Order Transcript

How can I validate my CeDiploma?

The CeDiploma or electronic diploma has legal standing, is non-repudiating, and can be validated on our Certifcation Validation page to provide absolute confidence in the credential’s authenticity. Questions should be redirected to registrar@nku.edu.

Additional information regarding the CeDiploma can be found on our certified electronic credential overview page.

Additional Information

All credentials required to confer a degree must be submitted prior to the grade submission deadline for the anticipated graduation term. Failure to comply with these requirements will move the graduation date to the next graduation term.

For example:

Final grades for all courses
substitution/waiver forms
transfer transcripts
consortium transcripts
residency waivers
non-traditional college credit (AP credit, CLEP, Portfolio, Advanced Standing, etc.)
piano proficiency exam results
(Note: This list is not exhaustive.)

To be eligible to graduate with honors, a student must: a) earn a minimum of 30 semester hours in residence (at NKU) for a Bachelor's degree, and 30 semester hours in residence (at NKU) for an Associate degree; b) have an overall GPA and NKU GPA of 3.50 or higher (the level of honors will be based on the NKU GPA). (See the current undergraduate catalog for more information.)

A student working to receive two bachelor degrees on the same date must:
a) complete requirements for both degrees
b) earn a minimum of 30 semester hours in residence beyond requirements for the first degree
c) earn a minimum of 60 semester hours in residence at NKU.

A student working to earn a second bachelor's degree after receiving the first must:
a) complete requirements for the second degree,
b) earn at least 12 semester hours in the major field offering the second degree,
c) earn a minimum of 30 semester hours in residence beyond requirements for the first degree.

Graduation Questions