Northern Arizona University

Overview of Northern Arizona University (NAU)

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The university strives to lead the way to a better Arizona and a sustainable world through personalized attention to student success and scholarly excellence. This guides all academic and service planning, policies, and programs. Other values include integrity, discovery, diversity, and excellence.

The total student population at Northern Arizona University is 28,700+, with 24,162 enrolled in undergraduate programs. The school employs approximately 1,000 full-time and 540 part-time faculty members who focus solely on instruction. There are also 24 additional full-time professors employed for research and public service purposes. Additionally, there are 530 graduate assistant positions, 339 of which provide instructional support and 191 research positions. The student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1. Notably, this is above the national average reported by the National Center for Education Statistics in 2018, which means students may not receive as much individualized attention as they can at other institutions.

Top Rankings For Northern Arizona University

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NAU Acceptance Rate and Admissions

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NAU Tuition Cost & Financial Aid

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The cost of attending Northern Arizona University depends on several factors including degree type, enrollment status, and residency. The estimated cost of tuition for in-state, undergraduate students is $11,024 per year. Distance learners will pay slightly more, with a projected tuition cost of $11,160. Graduate students will be charged around $11,390 per year, with online learners at this level paying about $14,040 per year.

It's worth noting that rates differ for out-of-state students. As with many other public institutions, Northern Arizona University does charge non-residents more per credit hour.

Additionally, prospective students should be prepared to pay for other fees, housing, meals, books, and supplies. The university projects that those attending classes on campus will spend approximately $16,628 to cover these expenses, while those living off campus will pay closer to $22,148. Northern Arizona University also charges a flat fee of $1,250 per student, per year.

According to the Institute for College Access and Success, Northern Arizona University students tend to graduate with much less debt than the national average. A contributing factor to this is the number of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid awards provided by the institution. In 2020, students received over $400 million in support. All students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each fiscal year. Scholarships are awarded, however, based on academic merit and personal background in addition to financial need. As of the 2020-2021 academic year, 98% of full-time, beginning, undergraduate students received some form of financial aid. The majority of money awarded was in the form of grants and scholarships, but 36% of students still required loans to attend the university.

Sticker Price

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Academics

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Northern Arizona University allows students to pursue their passions. With eight academic colleges, the institution offers a wide variety of programs of study to help enrich lives and create opportunities in Arizona and beyond.

Students can choose from over 180 undergraduate degrees, as well as over 90 undergraduate and graduate certificates in the following departments:

The university also offers Personalized Learning (PL), which is a collection of online and competency-based bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. These degrees incorporate innovative teaching and learning methods and are designed specifically for non-traditional, adult learners seeking flexibility and access to one-on-one academic support from faculty and staff.

The retention rate for first-time, full-time, undergraduate freshmen who began their studies in 2020 was 74%. For first-time, part-time, undergraduate students the retention rate was 45%. The national average is 68%, which means Northern Arizona University is performing better than many other institutions. This data also indicates that the majority of full-time students enrolled at the university were happy enough with their experience to return in 2020.

The overall graduation rate for full-time, first-time students who began their studies in fall 2015 was 59%. This data shows how frequently students complete their degrees or certificate programs within 150% of standard time. While 45% of full-time, first-time students graduated within four years, the majority of those enrolled completed their studies within six years.

Northern Arizona University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six agencies recognized by the United State Department of Education. While the commission accredits institutions, many of the university’s programs are also individually accredited by other agencies. Some prominent examples include the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Student Population Total

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Outcome & Salary

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Northern Arizona University works hard to connect students and alumni to valuable employment opportunities such as internships, part-time jobs, and full-time careers. The institution hosts several career fairs, workshops, and networking events throughout the year. It also offers on-campus interviewing, which can be convenient for both students and potential employers.

According to the institution’s 2005 Graduate Student Alumni Report, 99% of alumni of Northern Arizona University rate their experience as either good or excellent and 95% responded they would start over again at the institution. Additionally, 93% of alumni were satisfied with the preparation they received from their graduate program to help in preparing them for their current position.

Photos & Videos

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