Northern Kentucky University is the only one of Kentucky's comprehensive universities that did not start as an institution for training teachers. NKU began as a community college under the University of Kentucky and became an autonomous institution by an act of the General Assembly in 1968. Upper division courses were offered beginning in 1971, the same year that Salmon P. Chase College of Law merged with what was then known as Northern Kentucky State College. Today there are over 15,000 students enrolled. Although about one-third are non-residents, the Kentucky's among them come from 106 of the state's 120 counties. Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties in northern Kentucky account for 6,708 students. Due to limited dormitory space, nearly 90% of undergraduates commute.

A significant percentage of NKU's first time, full-time students are first generation college-goers. The university seeks to provide support services that make it possible for all members of its diverse student body to succeed. Academic advisors use a web-based system to proactively identify students who are “off path” for timely degree completion and suggest changes to guide students to a degree. Another particular focus is on transfer students, reflecting NKU's continuing connection with Gateway Community and Technical College. Gateway2NKU maintains program pathways for seamless transfer between the institutions.

The fiscal year 2026 Postsecondary Education Performance Fund distribution in the amount of $11,811,700 is added to NKU's base General Fund appropriation in fiscal years 2027 and 2028.

Included in the base General Fund budget is $1,323,900 in each fiscal year for the Kentucky Center for Mathematics and $1,377,900 in each fiscal year to support the Commonwealth's Property and Casualty Insurance Fund premium. These programs make up NKU's Mandated Programs and total $2,701,800 in each fiscal year.

312