2025-26
Exceptions to this policy include students who meet one, or more, of the following exemption criteria:
A student choosing to live at home, with their parent or guardian, at the physical address listed on their admissions application. To qualify for this exemption, the address must be in one of the following counties*:
a. Indiana: Dearborn, Franklin, Jefferson, Ohio, Ripley, or Switzerland counties.
b. Kentucky: Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen, Mason, or Pendleton counties.
c. Ohio: Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, or Warren counties.
*If a student does not live at their listed permanent address for the duration of their first year or choose to live off campus without an approved exemption, they will be subject to the NKU Residency Requirement Policy and charged the full room rate for the term of the contract.
2. A student 21 years of age by September 1 of the upcoming academic year
3. A student married, divorced, or widowed.
4. A student who is pregnant, has children, or dependents.
5. A student currently serving or has served at least six months active duty in a branch of the U.S. military.
6. A part-time student (taking less than 6 credit hours per semester).
7. A student admitted into a fully online program. Students electing to take courses fully online may not qualify for this exemption if the program is not fully online.
8. A student residing at Opportunity House.
9. A student attending NKU classes at the Grant County Campus.
Other requests for exemptions may be approved by the University Housing Contract Review Committee or the Director of University Housing based on extenuating circumstances.
2026-27
An individual is exempt from the requirements of this policy for any semester in which the individual meets any one of the following:
1. Lives at and commutes from a parent/guardian’s permanent and primary residence that is 40 miles or less from campus (address must be the same as the one used in the individual’s admission application; distance as calculated from the Student Union);
2. Is married, divorced, or widowed;
3. Has one or more dependent children;
4. Is 21 years of age or older as of the first day of class for that academic year;
5. Is then serving, is called to active duty, or has served at least six months’ active duty in a branch of the United States military;
6. Is enrolled in a fully online program;
7. Is residing at Opportunity House (two semesters on campus and 30 credit hours earned);
8. Is attending NKU classes at the Grant County campus; or
9. Demonstrates extraordinary extenuating circumstances as approved by the University Housing Contract Review Committee or the Director of University Housing.
Requests for exemption may be submitted online in the Housing Portal.
Students wishing to submit an exemption can simply log into their MyNKU and fill out the First Year Exemption Form. Exemption forms must be submitted by August 1 for the fall term or December 15 for the spring term. Students submitting any exemptions after these dates will be subject to a $160 fee if the student’s exemption is approved.
Students submitting an exemption request may be asked to provide documentation supporting their request. Falsifying information is a violation of the NKU Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Picture of exempt counties with context regarding where they are in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.
Estimated picture of 40 mile radius exemption zone.
Northern Kentucky University
Norse Commons 101
10 Campbell Drive
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Toll Free: +1 (866) 572-5676
Local: +1 (859) 572-5676
