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Flagstaff , AZ
Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a public research university located in Flagstaff, Arizona. Founded in 1899, it has since emerged as one of the leading institutions in the state. NAU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study, including arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, health and human services, and more. The university is dedicated to providing a high-quality education through its innovative and interdisciplinary approach, preparing students for successful careers and meaningful contributions to society.
NAU boasts a diverse and vibrant campus community, attracting students from all 50 states and over 70 countries. With a student population of approximately 31,000, it offers a dynamic learning environment where students can engage in numerous extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations. The university strongly values student success, providing resources such as tutoring, career services, and counseling to support students throughout their academic journey.
Flagstaff, known for its stunning natural beauty, serves as an ideal backdrop for NAU. Surrounded by the Coconino National Forest, the city offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and camping. Additionally, Flagstaff's vibrant downtown area provides students with a lively social scene, including art galleries, music festivals, and diverse dining options. With its commitment to academic excellence and the unique experiences it offers, Northern Arizona University provides students with a well-rounded education and an extraordinary college experience.
Northern Arizona University is a public university located in Flagstaff, AZ. This school uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 89%. The freshman retention rate at Northern Arizona University is 75% and the six-year graduation rate is 61%.
For freshmen, the application deadline for this school is August 1. Here are some latest information on important things to consider about Northern Arizona University.
Quick Facts
22,991
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
19:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
61%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
If you know as much as possible about the institution's criteria for admission, your chances of getting accepted will significantly increase. Learn some vital data about admission policy and requirements at Northern Arizona University.
According to the most recent data, this school uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 31,453 in 2025. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
4% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 28% submitted ACT scores, out of the total number of those who submitted test scores. 6% of the freshmen submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 38% between 1,200 and 1,399, 34% between 1,000 and 1,199, 19% of the students between 800 and 999, and 3% of the students between 600 and 799. The percent of freshman students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 9, 34 between 24-29, 44 in the range between 18-23, and 13 between 12-17.
The ACT composite average score for all the enrolled students in 2025 was 23 and the average GPA was 3.7. This implies that you'll probably need a GPA above the average to secure admission, as well as an above-average ACT score.
The SAT Critical Reading average score was 583 for the newly enrolled students, while the average SAT Math score was 558.
Deadlines
The final day for applications to Northern Arizona University is August 1.
Retention Rate
What is the freshman retention rate? The freshman retention rate is the percentage of full-time students who entered the institution as freshmen in the previous academic year and returned for the fall term of the current academic year. When creating your list of possible schools to attend, you should consider the freshman retention rate, among other things.
As reported in 2025, the freshman retention rate for Northern Arizona University was 75%, a reflection of the high standards and excellent educational experience at this school.
The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. It reflects the proportion of students who obtain their degrees within the expected timeframe. At this school, the rate of students graduating within six years is 61%.
Student Body
Deciding if a school is the best fit for you is not an easy task. You can better understand the culture and life of the school by learning more about the student body.
Main Student Body
The total number of students enrolled at Northern Arizona University in 2025 was 28,468.
That year, the school had 28% of out-of-state students. There was a total of 22,991 undergraduate students, including 486 international students. The school admitted a total of 1,487 transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 8,967 male and 14,378 female full-time students in 2025, which is indicative of the value gender equality has at this school.
Student Population Diversity
When it comes to improving a sense of inclusion and belonging among students, there is no denying the importance of student diversity. In a diverse learning space, you will be exposed to people from different backgrounds, which promotes the feeling of inclusion and acceptance. Discover more about the many ethnic communities that go to this school.
This school had 1,019 Asian students and 693 Afro-American students in 2025. 6,208 undergraduates at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 1,297 identified with more than one race. The school also had 46 students who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 898 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 266 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Financial planning for school is one of the most important things to consider before you apply. Here are some important information on Northern Arizona University costs that most students encounter at this school.
Tuition and Fees
Wondering about tuition at Northern Arizona University? Here is what you need to know.
According to the reports from public county and municipal institutions, tuition fees were $12,096 for area residents. Tuition fees were $29,568 for students coming from a different state. For international students, tuition fees at this school stood at $29,560. Fees per academic year required of full-time students summed up to $1,344 in 2025.
| Category | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $29,568 | $1,344 | $30,912 |
| In-State | $12,096 | $1,344 | $13,440 |
Books and Supplies
The approximate price of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into account as another significant expense. Most students have to give about $900 for books and supplies during their time at Northern Arizona University.
Boarding
When choosing a college, you should factor in the price of a dorm room and meals at the school cafeteria. What do schools typically charge for room and board?
In 2025, the price of room and board at Northern Arizona University was $14,432 per academic year. If you only wanted a room on the campus, you had to pay $7,790 for the 2025 academic year. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was $11,700.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 12,096 |
| Room and Board | $ 14,432 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 900 |
| Total Expense | $ 27,428 |
Financial Aid
Grants, loans, scholarships, work-study programs: these are all types of financial help available to students. If you are interested in finding out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at Northern Arizona University, here are some recent data you should take into consideration.
The most recent records show that 3,471 freshmen received some sort of financial help. The average financial aid package awarded to students reached $15,800.
Need-based
Financial aid that a student can receive if they are determined to have financial need and meet other eligibility requirements is known as need-based aid.
7,748 students were designated some form of need-based financial aid. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was 11,707. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution came to $45,689,338, and state $14,473,320. The students of Northern Arizona University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $100,642,343, and external in the amount of $5,330,906.
$8,197
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Any financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid is considered non-need-based aid. The most popular forms of non-need-based financial aid for students are loans and grants, like Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
10,145 students, including freshmen, received institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid at this institution in 2025. Institutional grants or scholarships that are not based on financial need were given to 3,410 full-time freshman. Federal non-need-based scholarships and grants totaled $45,689,338 for students at this institution, while state aid came to $600,770. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $56,172,014. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $1,627,883 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).
Majors
Faculty
19:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Getting information about the faculty at a school can help you estimate the quality of education you will receive there.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Northern Arizona University was 19:1: that means 19 students per one teacher. The faculty of this school consists of 1,607 members, according to the most recent data reported. This number included 689 male and 918 female faculty members. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school speaks volumes for gender equality at Northern Arizona University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Check out some info about campus life at Northern Arizona University.
It has a campus size of 883 acres.
Student Organizations
Student organizations are run by students of an institution, and its membership usually consists exclusively of current students and/or alumni.
There are 343 student organizations and groups with open membership at this school. That includes sororities and fraternities. 7 percent of male and 7 of female students participate in different organizations at Northern Arizona University. The most popular student organization is Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, followed by American Medical Student Association of NAU and Pickleball Club at NAU. Other popular student organizations at this school are Louie's Cupboard and Esports.
If you are interested in music, you can join the Northern Arizona University band or chorus. There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. You have a passion for media and communication? Northern Arizona University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
Northern Arizona University provides a number of services important for a pleasant and safe life on campus.
24/7 emergency phone and alarm devices are available. The school has electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a security patrol that operates around the clock. The transport/escort service operates during late hours.
This school has a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Legal Services and Veteran's Affairs are available to the students of Northern Arizona University.
All in all, campus life at Northern Arizona University is rich and vibrant and provides everything most students need.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Northern Arizona University.
Career Counselling
At Northern Arizona University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be excellent for your future career.
Job Placement
Understanding the potential salary after graduating can be of help in determining if a specific educational institution matches your professional aspirations.
Within six months of graduation, this school's students can expect an average base annual starting salary of 55,050 USD.
$55,050
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
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Northern Arizona University is located in Flagstaff, AZ.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for Northern Arizona University is 89%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for Northern Arizona University is 75%.
Contact Information
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-4084
Flagstaff , AZ
86011
928 523-9011
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.