What TOEFL score do you need for Northern Kentucky University?

Score reports must be sent directly to NKU, whose ETS code is 1574, and you only need to submit one test. Students admitted with restrictions must take a college placement test in each area where they fall short and cannot register for classes until those tests are done. Health Science, Nursing and Radiologic Technology are selective programmes with requirements above regular admission.

For comparison, the undergraduate page sets IELTS at 6.5 with Reading 5.5 and Writing 5 for unrestricted entry, and the graduate page sets 6.5.

TOEFL iBT score reports issued since January 2026 also carry a 1 to 6 band score alongside the 0 to 120 total; see our guide to the new TOEFL score scale. Where a page above gives only a 0 to 120 figure, that is the figure this guide reports.

The undergraduate page says applicants who do not meet the English requirement may be given conditional admission to a degree programme pending completion of NKU's American English Language Program. Transfer students can instead show a C or better in a freshman English composition course equal to ENG 101, from a US regionally accredited college where at least 24 consecutive semester hours were earned. Graduate applicants with a four-year US bachelor's degree also meet the requirement.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your NKU programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.