About

About Northern Arizona University

high altitude mountain campusaccessible admissionshealth sciences focusdoctoral research universityeducation and nursing strength

Northern Arizona University is a public research university in Flagstaff, AZ, known for its high altitude mountain campus, accessible admissions, and health sciences focus. With an acceptance rate of 80%, NAU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 5,575 students each year. NAU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1010–1280, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. NAU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $13,115 per year; the sticker price of $34,719 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Northern Arizona University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

80%
Overall Accept Rate
1145
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1010 – 1280 (test optional)

Build your free list to see where your scores land →

ACTScore range: 20 – 26

Build your free list to see where your scores land →

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Northern Arizona University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
Apply to the Honors College when you submit your NAU application since it uses the same application and there is no separate fee. Honors students at NAU get priority registration, dedicated advising, and access to smaller seminar courses in Flagstaff.
Test Score Strategy
Since NAU is test optional and your score is below their 75th percentile, skip submitting it. NAU will evaluate your GPA and coursework without the score, and withholding a lower score will not hurt your chances here.

Get a tailored strategy for Northern Arizona University. Build your free list to unlock personalized advice on submitting test scores and discover your actual admission odds based on your student profile.

Build My Free List →

Financial Aid & Cost

What Northern Arizona University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: Northern Arizona University has replaced all loans with grants. For families earning under $65,000, the average net annual cost is $0. Northern Arizona University's sticker price of ~$35k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30kOften $0~$35k/yr~$0 / yr
30k-48kOften $0~$35k/yr~$0 / yr
48k-75k~$35k/yr$13.3k
75k-110k~$35k/yr$18.1k
110k+~$35k/yr$20.7k

Not sure what Northern Arizona University would cost your family? Build your free SpearMatch list. We show estimated net cost for every college on your list based on your income bracket.

Unlock real pricing for Northern Arizona University and matching colleges →

Personalize this page

Compare your profile to Northern Arizona University's admitted class

SpearMatch builds a tiered college list from your actual grades, scores, and preferences — and shows where you stand at every college. Free, no account, 4 minutes.

Build My Free List →

✓ Free forever  ·  ✓ No account  ·  ✓ 1,300+ four-year US colleges

Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

57%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$47k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
22:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
21,303
Undergrad Enrollment
Northern Arizona University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch