
Northern Arizona University (NAU) is one of three state universities in Arizona. It has a main campus located in Flagstaff, Arizona, and many statewide campuses and learning centers. NAU is a public, research university offering degrees at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. It offers additional degrees through its online programs. NAU has 95 undergraduate programs, 57 graduate programs and more than 70 online programs.
History
Northern Arizona University was founded in 1899 with 23 enrolled students and one professor. Early administrators had to travel the countryside of Arizona to recruit students for the school's single building. That tiny school grew over the years and underwent several name changes as it expanded. In 1958, the school expanded its research activity through the establishment of its forestry program. In 1966, the school achieved university status when it was recognized for its expanded academic programs. It was renamed from Arizona State College to become Northern Arizona University.
Academics
The academic calendar for Northern Arizona University has fall and spring semesters, and also offers three and four week Winter and Summer terms.
Colleges and Schools
- College of Arts and Letters
- School of Music
- School of Art
- College of Education
- College of Engineering, Forestry and Natural Sciences
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability
- School of Forestry
- College of Health and Human Services
- School of Nursing
- College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
- School of Communication
- Graduate College
- The W.A. Franke College of Business
- School of Hotel and Restaurant Management
Student Life
Many student organizations and activities are available at NAU. The Recreation Center and Health and Learning Center offer opportunities for staying healthy and fit. There are more than 200 clubs in which to participate, including many intramural sports teams. Outdoor activities are arranged through Student Life and allow for exploration of the natural beauty around the campus.
Many theatre and music events are available on campus through SUN Entertainment, including concerts with headliners such as Jason Mraz and Mason Jennings.
On campus housing is available, along with many dining options.
Traditions
The NAU school colors are dark blue, white and gold. The school mascot is "Louie" the lumberjack.
Some NAU tradition include Greek Week, which includes many events and projects sponsored by the campus fraternities and sororities, Homecoming, which includes returning alumni joining in a bonfire and pep rally, a Mr. Lumberjack pageant, a parade, and more.
The annual "Gabapalooza" event at Gabaldon Hall on campus is an outdoor party open to all, which includes concerts, free food and carnival games.
Other NAU traditions include celebrations throughout the year to honor Native American Heritage, Asian-Pacific American Heritage and African-American Heritage.
Athletics
The NAU "Lumberjacks" athletic teams are members of the Big Sky Conference, which sponsors 15 NCAA Division I level athletic programs. Students can show their school spirit for the award-winning NAU football and basketball teams at the Walkup Skydome, one of the largest wooden dome structures in the U.S.
The NAU "Lumberjacks" compete in 15 intercollegiate sports, including:
Men's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Cheer and Dance
- Football
- Golf
- Soccer
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Track and Field
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Cheer and Dance
- Golf
- Soccer
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Satellite Campuses
The primary campus for NAU is in Flagstaff, Arizona, but students may choose to study at 34 different satellite campuses around the state. More information about satellite locations can be found at the Extended Campuses of Northern Arizona University website.
Community Life
NAU is located in Flagstaff, Arizona, a city that is nestled in the San Francisco mountain range. The area is known for its tall Ponderosa pines, high mountain peaks and scenic canyons. There are many other natural attractions, and the community enjoys many active outdoor activities.
Admission Requirements & Details
The admissions information below may provide a better idea of the students NAU accepts. The details may include admissions application requirements and recommendations, as well as any AP college credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
Total enrollment at Northern Arizona University is around 29,000 students. The student body is made up of 87% undergraduate students and 18% graduate students.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $14,600. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. There is also a $25 application fee for students applying to the school. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are:
- In-State: $8,400-$10,000
- Out-of-State: $15,000-$17,890
- Part-time students are charged:
- In-State: $680-$810 per unit
- Out-of-State: $940-$1,100 per unit
- Some programs may have tuition rates locked at the first year rate for up to five years.
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 86% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 72% | $9,619 |
Receiving Student Loans | 55% | $6,323 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and alumni, Northern Arizona University may provide services like those listed below:- Online classes
- Counseling assistance
- Student employment
- Assistance to find work
Graduation Rates
The overall graduation rate of Northern Arizona University is approximately 49%.
Number of Year to Graduate | Percent of Entering Class |
---|---|
Students Graduating in 4 Years | 30% |
Graduating in 5 Years | 15% |
Graduating in 6 Years | 4% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
Campus: Northern Arizona University
- Dental Hygienist Program
- Music Program
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) Program
- Nursing (MSN, DSN) Program
- Occupational Therapy (OT) Program
- Speech-Language Pathology Program
- Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Education Program
Campus: Northern Arizona University - Phoenix Biomedical Campus
Intercollegiate Athletics
NAU is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports belonging to the NCAA Division I-AA classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Basketball (Big Sky Conference)
- Track and Field (Big Sky Conference)
- Football (Big Sky Conference)
- Golf
- Soccer
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Northern Arizona University by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (B, D, M)
- Biomedical Science (B)
- Microbiology (B)
- Conservation Biology (C)
- Biotechnology (C)
- Biochemistry
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (B, C, M)
- Hospitality Administration and Management (B, C)
- Organizational and Nonprofit Management (C, M)
- Finance (B)
- Advertising and Marketing (B)
- Accounting (B, C)
- Information Systems (B, C)
- Construction Management (B)
- Customer Service Management (C)
- Business Economics (B, C)
- Investments and Securities (C)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (C)
- International Business (C)
- Entrepreneurship (C)
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management (B)
- Tourism and Travel Services Management (C)
- Human Resources
- Fashion Merchandising
Communications and Journalism
- Public Relations, Advertising and Applied Communication (B)
- Radio and Television (B)
- Public Relations (B, C)
- Communications (B, M)
- Journalism (B)
- Advertising (B)
- Communication and Journalism (B)
Computer and Information Sciences
Education
- Educational Leadership and Administration (C, D, M)
- Elementary Education (B, C, M)
- Special Education (B, M)
- Guidance Counselor (M)
- Early Childhood Education (B, M)
- English and Language Arts Teacher Education (B, M)
- Computer Teacher Education (M)
- Bilingual and Multilingual Education (M)
- Elementary and Middle School Administration (C)
- Music Teacher Education (B, M)
- Technical Teacher Education (B, C)
- Art Teacher Education (B)
- ESL (C, M)
- History Teacher Education (B)
- Education, Teaching of Individuals Who Are Developmentally Delayed (C)
- Health Teacher Education (B)
- Mathematics Teacher Education (B, C, M)
- Science Teacher (B, C, M)
- Teacher and Professional Development (M)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development (M)
- Spanish Language Teacher Education (B, M)
- Curriculum and Instruction (D)
- Secondary Education (M)
- Biology Teacher Education (B)
- Education, Teaching of Individuals with Autism (C)
- Physics Teacher Education (B)
- Technology Teacher Education Teacher Education
- Physical Education
- Chemistry Teacher Education
- Drama and Dance Teacher Education
- French Language Teacher Education
- German Language Teacher Education
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (B)
- Civil Engineering (B, M)
- Electrical Engineering (B)
- Environmental and Environmental Health Engineering (B, M)
- Engineering (M)
- Engineering Science (C)
- Engineering Physics
English Language and Literature
- English (B, C, M)
- Rhetoric and Composition (M)
- Technical and Business Writing (C, M)
- Creative Writing (M)
- English Language and Literature, Letters (M)
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
- Native American Studies (B)
- Women's Studies (B, C)
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Spanish Language and Literature (B)
- Linguistics (D)
- Foreign Languages and Literatures (B)
- German Language and Literature (B)
- French Language and Literature
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (B, M)
- Public Health (B)
- Speech and Language Pathology (C, M)
- Physical Therapy (D)
- Dental Hygienist (B)
- Physician Assistant (M)
- Family Practice Nurse (C, M)
- Athletic Training (B)
- Nursing Practice (D)
- Community Health Services, Liaison, Counseling (C)
- Health Services Administration (C)
History
- History (B, M)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies (B)
- Sustainability Studies (M)
- Behavioral Science (C)
- Cultural Studies (B)
- Intercultural, Multicultural and Diversity Studies (C)
- Biological and Physical Sciences
Legal Professions and Studies
- Pre-Law Studies (B)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (B, C)
- Humanistic Studies (B)
- General Studies
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (B, M)
- Statistics (C, M)
Natural Resources and Conservation
- Environmental Studies (B)
- Forest Resources Management (C)
- Forest Sciences and Biology (B, D, M)
- Environmental Science (B, M)
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management (C)
- Natural Resources Management and Policy (M)
- Forestry (M)
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy (B)
- Religious Studies (B)
Physical Sciences
- Chemistry (B, M)
- Geology (B, M)
- Physics (B, M)
- Physical Sciences (B)
- Astronomy (B)
- Paleontology (B)
- Hydrology and Water Resources Science (B)
- Geophysics and Seismology
Psychology
- Psychology (B, M)
- Educational Psychology (D)
- School Psychology (M)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Social Work (B)
- Public Administration (B, M)
- Human Services (C)
- Public Policy (B, C)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
- Kinesiology And Exercise Science (B)
- Parks and Recreation (B, C)
Science Technology
Security and Protective Services
Social Sciences
- Criminology (B, M)
- Political Science (B, D, M)
- Anthropology (B, M)
- Sociology (B, M)
- International Relations (B)
- Geography (B)
- Cartography and GIS (C, M)
- Economics
Visual and Performing Arts
- Interior Design (B)
- Design and Visual Communications (B)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (B)
- Photography (B)
- Fine Arts and Studio Arts (B)
- Music Performance (B, C)
- Music (B, M)
- Painting (B)
- Printmaking (B)
- Voice and Opera (B)
- Art History (B)
- Ceramic Arts (B)
- Art Studies
- Sculpture
- Jewelry Design
Other 4-Year Public Colleges
The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Northern Arizona University.
- Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ (124 miles away)
- Nevada State College in Henderson, NV (193 miles away)
- University of Nevada - Las Vegas in Las Vegas, NV (206 miles away)
- University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ (209 miles away)
- Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO (255 miles away)
See a list of all the colleges and universities by clicking on one of the links below:
- Browse through our complete list of colleges in Arizona
- Browse our list of public colleges in Arizona