The Northern Kentucky University Board of Regents on Wednesday approved a $222 million operating budget for fiscal year 2026-27.
The budget includes a projected surplus of approximately $2.1 million and provides a 3% salary increase for eligible faculty and staff.
The approved budget reflects NKU’s continued focus on financial stability while investing in the people, programs and services that support student success and prepare graduates to meet the region’s workforce needs.
“At NKU, our success begins with our people,” said NKU President Cady Short-Thompson, Ph.D. “This budget allows us to continue investing in our faculty and staff while maintaining our commitment to providing our students with a high quality, affordable education.”
This budget aligns university resources with strategic priorities, supports student success initiatives and positions the university to be able to address any future opportunities and challenges.
As part of the approved budget, undergraduate tuition will increase by 2% beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. The adjustment will help support academic programs, student services and university operations while maintaining NKU’s focus on value and providing the highest return on investment of any public university in the commonwealth and the region.
The FY27 budget will mark the third-straight fiscal year that NKU will maintain a balanced budget with positive cash flow after resolving a $24 million deficit.
This budget takes effect July 1.
Northern Kentucky University