Educational Outreach

1. What is the NKU School-Based Scholars (SBS) Program?

2. What are the criteria for high school students to be enrolled at NKU in the SBS Program?

3. How many classes can I take in the program?

4. What kinds of classes will be offered at the high schools?

5. Can a SBS student take online classes?

6. What is the cost of tuition?

7. Can high school students take classes on the NKU Highland Heights campus?

8. What are some benefits to the students taking NKU classes at their high schools?

9. Will these NKU courses transfer to other colleges?

10. How do I apply for the NKU School-Based Scholars Program?

11. Whom should I contact for more information?

1. What is the NKU School-Based Scholars (SBS) Program?

The School-Based Scholars program allows eligible high school students to take NKU college classes before graduating from high school.

2. What are the criteria for high school students to be enrolled at NKU in the SBS Program?

• Complete at least the sophomore year of high school at the time classes are taken; (Note, students may not enroll in this program after high school graduation.)
• A minimum ACT/PLAN of 20/18; or SAT/PSAT of 940/94;  (The ACT/SAT supersedes the PLAN/PSAT.)
• A high school GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale;

•Maintain a grade of C or higher in each NKU course in order to continue in the program;
• Written permission from a high school principal/guidance counselor;

• Written permission from a parent/guardian;
• Must meet any prerequisites for the specific NKU courses in which the student intends to enroll.  For some courses, prerequisites include minimum ACT subscores in English, math, or reading.

 3. How many classes can I take in the program?

This varies by school.  Please check with your high school guidance counselor or contact us.

4. What kinds of classes will be offered at the high schools?

Generally the courses available are freshman level foundation of knowledge (general education) courses: public speaking, political science, fine arts, world religions, criminal justice, etc. This will vary with each high school.  Students must meet any pre-requisites before enrolling in classes.

5. Can a SBS student take online classes?

SBS students interested in online classes should contact program coordintor, Jeff Fox, at foxj@nku.edu for more information.

6. What is the cost of tuition?

Effective fall 2012, the cost of each class is equivalent to the rate of one semester hour (plus any university and/or course fees).  The average cost of textbooks is $75-$150 per class. Students are responsible for any general university fees, specific course fees, as well as textbooks and supplies for each class. 

Effective fall 2011, SBS students seeking to apply as freshman will have to pay the applicable application fee.

Please visit our SBS tuition information page for specific rate information.

7. Can high school students take classes on the NKU Highland Heights campus?

Yes, but students can only take one at the Highland Heights campus at the discounted rate.  Anything above and beyond that is charged at the full applicable tuition rate.

*Note, some high schools do not offer the option to take NKU classes at their respective high schools.  In this case, a student is still eligible for one class at the Highland Heights campus at the discounted rate.

8. What are some benefits to the students taking NKU classes at their high schools?

This is an excellent opportunity for students to strengthen their high school curricula and experience college coursework while still in the “safe” environment of high school.  Students who start in their junior year can earn an entire semester of college work by the time they graduate and at significant savings.  All students receive NKU ID cards and receive full privileges of NKU students, such as access to the library, health center, and cultural events.

9. Will these NKU courses transfer to other colleges?

NKU is a regionally accredited institution whose credits are accepted by most major colleges and universities. Students should consult with the college of their choice as to how their NKU credits will apply.  NKU does not make any guarantees for if and how courses transfer.

10. How do I apply for the NKU School-Based Scholars Program?

Please click here for the most current information on the application process.

11. Whom should I contact for more information?

If you would like more information about the School-Based Scholars Program, please contact us.