Northern Arizona University
An R1 public university at 7,000 feet in Flagstaff, cutting out-of-state tuition to $16,000 a year from fall 2027.
- Acceptance rate
- 90%
- Fall 2025 entering first-year class (Common Data Set 2025-26); application steps are for fall 2027 entry
- Students
- 27,184
- 22,203 undergraduates
- International
- 2%
- of students
- Student–faculty
- 19:1
- ratio
- Tuition
- $16,000
- From · 2027-28 tuition; 2026-27 fees and living costs
About NAU
Northern Arizona University opened on September 11, 1899, as a normal school and now describes itself as a public Research 1 university. The Carnegie Classification recognises it for very high research spending and doctorate production. The main campus sits in Flagstaff at about 7,000 feet, on 883 acres at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, and NAU also runs more than 20 locations across Arizona plus online programs.
NAU's Common Data Set 2025-26 counts 27,184 students in fall 2025, of whom 22,203 were undergraduates, across all locations including online. Teaching is organised through colleges that include Arts and Letters, Education, Environment, Forestry and Natural Sciences, Health and Human Services, the Maria and Steve Sanghi College of Nursing, Social and Behavioral Sciences, the Steve Sanghi College of Engineering, and The W. A. Franke College of Business. NAU lists biology, biomedical sciences, business economics, computer science, construction management, criminology, elementary education, nursing, finance and engineering among its most popular majors.
Admission is open by design: in fall 2025, 35,561 of 39,685 first-year applicants (89.6%) were admitted, and NAU guarantees admission to students on track to graduate with a core high school GPA of 2.5 or higher. SAT and ACT scores are not required. The bigger story for out-of-state applicants is price: from fall 2027 NAU lowers non-resident undergraduate tuition from $30,000 to $16,000 a year, with an automatic merit scholarship on top, although NAU's pages do not say whether international students qualify for the new rate. It suits students who want outdoor access and a mountain-town campus, and who will use the support services to finish: the six-year graduation rate for the fall 2019 cohort is 59%.
Why students choose NAU
From fall 2027 the Flagstaff Advantage Rate cuts non-resident undergraduate tuition to $16,000 a year, down from $30,000 in 2026-27, with no separate scholarship application (NAU does not state on the pages checked whether international students are eligible).
Admission is rolling and accessible: NAU guarantees admission to applicants on track to graduate with a core GPA of 2.5 or higher, and test scores are not required.
Engineering, nursing and the sciences are taught at an R1 university, including what NAU's own FAQ calls the first environmental engineering degree of its kind in Arizona.
Flagstaff puts hiking and snowboarding on the doorstep, and NAU reports more than 350 student clubs and organizations.
Admissions
Fall 2025 entering first-year class (Common Data Set 2025-26); application steps are for fall 2027 entry
35,561 admitted from 39,685 applicants
Middle 50% of admitted students scored in this range.
Middle 50% of admitted students scored in this range.
NAU's Common Data Set 2025-26 (published July 2026, pages rendered as images) reports 39,685 first-year applicants, 35,561 admitted (89.6%) and 4,540 enrolled for fall 2025, with no waiting list. IPEDS College Navigator reported 35,100 applicants and 90% admitted for fall 2024, and NAU's admissions page states a 91% acceptance rate. NAU guarantees admission to students who have completed their junior year and are on track to graduate with a core GPA of 2.5 or higher (4.0 scale) and the required core courses, and allows up to two course deficiencies.
Typical entry requirements
| US high school diploma | Core GPA of 2.5 or higher on the 4.0 scale in 14 core courses: 4 years English, 4 years mathematics, 3 years laboratory science, history/social studies and social science, and fine arts or CTE (alternatives via ACT, SAT or college courses) |
|---|---|
| Other secondary credentials (international applicants) | Official transcripts and certificates from all schools attended, with certified English translations where needed; NAU assesses them through its Center for International Education |
| English language | IELTS 6 · TOEFL iBT 70 Other accepted proof includes Duolingo 95, PTE 56, ACT English/Reading 21, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 350, IB English A HL 5 or SL 6, IB English B 7, four years of English-taught high school with school verification, or a completed US college English composition course. Applicants below the level may need an English placement test and/or NAU's Program in Intensive English. |
Deadlines
- Rolling admission (fall 2027) Non-bindingRolling: apply any time; NAU recommends international applicants apply 4-6 months before their start date
Applications for the following academic year open in July.
NAU has not yet published fall 2027 cost-related dates. The previous cycle (fall 2026) had a May 1 enrollment fee deadline, an April 15 scholarship application and FAFSA priority date, and a July 1 final-transcript deadline; FAFSA opens October 1 and scholarship applications typically run January to March. Check the dates page for the 2027 versions.
How to apply
Apply online through NAU's own application (international applicants use NAU's international portal; $50 undergraduate application fee for international applicants). Submit transcripts, proof of English proficiency (if required), a passport copy and proof of financial support for the I-20. No essay or recommendation is listed for first-year applicants. Accept your offer and pay the $325 first-year enrollment fee to unlock housing and onboarding.
What admissions looks for
- Completion of the 14 core high school courses with a core GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- English proficiency for non-native speakers, shown through TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE, SAT, ACT, IB or an English-taught school record.
- For international applicants, official academic records, a passport copy and documented financial support.
- Graduation on track: NAU's guarantee applies to students who have completed their junior year and are on track to graduate.
Tips for applying to NAU
- 1 Calculate your core GPA early: it decides both admission and your automatic merit scholarship tier ($2,500 to $6,500 for non-residents from fall 2027).
- 2 From fall 2027, the four-year merit tuition scholarships require living in NAU Campus Living housing with a meal plan in your first year, so budget for on-campus housing and meals.
- 3 International applicants should allow for visa timing: NAU issues the I-20 after you accept your offer, pay the enrollment fee and submit proof of funds.
- 4 If you cannot complete the FAFSA, NAU accepts the CSS Profile (NAU code 4006) for undocumented students.
What are your chances?
Sign up to see your personalized admission chances for Northern Arizona University
Sign up to see your chancesCosts & financial aid
2027-28 tuition; 2026-27 fees and living costs · figures in USD
All eligible first-year students are automatically considered for merit tuition scholarships. From fall 2027, non-resident and WUE first-year students receive $2,500 to $6,500 a year by core GPA (Trailhead to Summit), conditional on living in NAU housing with a meal plan in year one; Arizona residents receive $2,500 to $11,000, and Access2Excellence covers full tuition for eligible Arizona residents with household income up to $65,000. NAU states that 97% of undergraduates receive some scholarship or financial aid, and lists no separate international-specific scholarship on the pages used; it does not say whether international students qualify for the Flagstaff Advantage Rate or its merit tiers.
- 97% of undergraduates (NAU)
- Students receiving aid or scholarships
- Summit $6,500 (core GPA 3.75-4.00), Peak $6,000 (3.50-3.74), Ascent $5,000 (3.00-3.49), Trailhead $2,500 (admitted-2.99) per year
- Non-resident merit tuition scholarships, 2027-28
- $53,326 for non-resident and international students; $35,326 for Arizona residents
- Total estimated cost 2026-27 (Flagstaff, on campus)
- Full tuition for eligible Arizona residents with household income up to $65,000
- Access2Excellence
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters (fall classes began August 24, 2026; spring classes begin January 11, 2027)
Engineering (Steve Sanghi College of Engineering)
NAU says its environmental engineering degree was the first of its kind in Arizona, alongside robotics and advanced technology programs.
Nursing (Maria and Steve Sanghi College of Nursing)
Nursing is on NAU's list of most popular majors, and NAU's FAQ says its nursing program is ranked in the top 10% nationally (the ranking publisher is not named).
Biology and Biomedical Sciences (College of Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences)
Both are on NAU's list of its most popular majors, in a college that also covers forestry and environmental fields.
Computer Science
One of NAU's most popular majors, at an R1 university with a Steve Sanghi College of Engineering.
Business and Finance (The W. A. Franke College of Business)
Business economics and finance both appear among NAU's most popular majors.
Elementary Education (College of Education)
Elementary education is one of NAU's most popular majors, with Arizona residents eligible for the Access2Excellence tuition guarantee.
Research
- NAU is an R1 research university; the 2025 Carnegie Classification recognises it for Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production.
- NAU's own research page says it is widely recognised for scientific discovery and the invention of new technologies.
Schools & faculties
- College of Arts and Letters
- College of Education
- College of Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences
- College of Health and Human Services
- Maria and Steve Sanghi College of Nursing
- College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Steve Sanghi College of Engineering
- The W. A. Franke College of Business
- Honors College
Student life
Most first-year students live on campus even though it is not required, in more than 20 campus living communities: traditional and suite-style halls for first- and second-year students, apartments for juniors, seniors and graduate students. The campus sits at about 7,000 feet, so winters bring snow and fall brings golden aspens on nearby trails. NAU reports more than 350 student clubs and organizations, and the Lumberjacks compete in NCAA Division I, mostly in the Big Sky Conference. Students use weekends for Sedona and the Grand Canyon day trips, according to NAU.
- More than 350 student clubs and organizations.
- Over 20 campus living communities, with first-year merit scholarships tied to living on campus from fall 2027.
- NCAA Division I Lumberjacks, mostly in the Big Sky Conference.
- Outdoor access: hiking, snowboarding, stargazing at Lowell Observatory and day trips to Sedona and the Grand Canyon.
Housing. NAU does not require first-year students to live on campus, though the vast majority do; from fall 2027 its four-year merit tuition scholarships require first-year NAU Campus Living housing with a meal plan.
Location
Flagstaff is a mountain town of four seasons, with snow in winter and a small-town feel that NAU describes as laid-back and welcoming. The San Francisco Peaks stand above the campus, and the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Lowell Observatory are easy trips. Las Vegas is about 250 miles away, roughly a four-hour drive, according to NAU.
Notable alumni
- KH Katie Hobbs24th governor of Arizona, since 2023; earned a bachelor's degree in social work at NAU in 1992
- DG Diana GabaldonAuthor of the Outlander series; earned a BS in zoology (1970-1973) and a PhD in behavioral ecology (1975-1978) at NAU
- MC Martin CasadoCo-founder of Nicira Networks and software-defined networking pioneer; bachelor's degree from NAU in 2000
- JN Jonathan Nez9th president of the Navajo Nation (2019 to 2023); BS in political science and Master of Public Administration from NAU
- KH Kevin HearneFantasy novelist (The Iron Druid Chronicles); NAU graduate (Wikipedia gives no degree)
- RH Raul Hector CastroFormer governor of Arizona and U.S. ambassador; graduated from Arizona State Teachers College in Flagstaff, now NAU
- LL Lopez LomongSouth Sudanese-born American Olympic runner; competed for NAU, winning the 2007 NCAA indoor 3000 m and outdoor 1500 m titles
Frequently asked questions
Is Northern Arizona University hard to get into?
No: in fall 2025 NAU admitted 35,561 of 39,685 first-year applicants (89.6%), and it guarantees admission to students on track to graduate with a core GPA of 2.5 or higher. Test scores are not required.
Does NAU require the SAT or ACT?
No. SAT and ACT scores are not required for admission or scholarships. NAU's 2025-26 Common Data Set says submitted scores are considered case by case (an earlier federal listing said 'not considered'), and scores can satisfy individual core-course alternatives.
What is the application deadline for NAU?
NAU admits on a rolling basis for most undergraduate programs, so you can apply at any time; applications for the next academic year open in July. International applicants are advised to apply at least 4-6 months before their start date.
How much will out-of-state and international tuition cost at NAU in 2027-28?
NAU's Flagstaff Advantage Rate sets non-resident undergraduate tuition at $16,000 for 2027-28, down from $30,000 in 2026-27, plus an automatic first-year merit scholarship of $2,500 to $6,500 for eligible students who live in NAU housing. International students paid the $30,000 non-resident rate in 2026-27, and NAU's pages do not say whether they qualify for the new $16,000 rate, so confirm with NAU before budgeting.
What English score does NAU require?
NAU accepts a TOEFL iBT of 70, an IELTS overall band of 6, a Duolingo score of 95 or a PTE of 56, among other options.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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