Northern Arizona University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

NAU offers the flexibility to learn where you are, with more than 20 convenient campuses throughout the state. Northern Arizona University has one main campus in Flagstaff, Arizona, as well as additional locations in Phoenix, Yuma, and Western Arizona. 

Here’s an overview of Northern Arizona University’s campus:

• Flagstaff: The Heart of NAU

The Flagstaff campus is NAU’s main hub, home to over 21,000 students. It offers a full spectrum of degree programs, modern facilities, and vibrant campus life in one of the nation’s top-ranked college towns. Recognized with a Gold award as a bicycle-friendly university, Flagstaff blends academic excellence with an active outdoor lifestyle.

• NAU: Yuma

Serving the region since 1988 and officially designated as a branch campus in 2006, NAU–Yuma offers specialized programs in fields like Elementary Education, Social Work, and Nursing. Small class sizes, community partnerships, and multicultural engagement define this campus.

• NAU: Yavapai (Prescott Valley)

In partnership with Yavapai College, this campus provides fully accredited NAU degrees in a flexible learning format, including evening and weekend classes. It primarily serves adult learners and transfer students seeking affordability and convenience.

• Other Locations

NAU also operates campuses in Show Low, Tuba City, and other statewide locations, each catering to the needs of its community. From culturally tailored education for Navajo Nation students in Tuba City to transfer-friendly pathways in Show Low, these sites bring NAU’s quality programs closer to home.

Northern Arizona University's strengths and offerings become clearer when compared with similarly ranked institutions. Now, let’s examine its performance in global rankings, such as those by QS and THE.

Northern Arizona University maintains a consistent global standing, ranked within the #1001–1200 bracket in the QS World University Rankings for 2026 mirroring its position in 2025. In the same vein, NAU holds National University ranking #244 (tie)in the 2025–26 U.S. News & World Report, affirming its steady performance among American institutions.

Now that you have explored Northern Arizona University ranking, it's equally important to understand how the Northern Arizona University courses perform across ranking platforms. 

Top Course-wise Ranking 2024/25

According to U.S. News & World Report, NAU ranks #174 in the Computer Science graduate program, marking it as one of the university’s top-performing disciplines. Northern Arizona University excels in several disciplines, particularly in areas related to environmental science, education, and the arts.

Here’s a closer look at how Northern Arizona University performs across various academic fields:

Are you unsure whether NAU is the best place for your master's program? For comprehensive information and to see how Northern Arizona University is ranked worldwide, check out Northern Arizona University Ranking 2025! Now, let’s discuss the entry requirements for studying at NAU.

Northern Arizona University is known for its strong programs in environmental sustainability, forestry, and education and its commitment to student success. Ranked #227 in National Universities (US News & World Report), the admission requirements include a well-rounded application.

Admission Requirements

Admission to NAU requires academic transcripts, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), and a personal essay. International students must also provide proof of English language proficiency through exams like IELTS or TOEFL.

Here are the key admission requirements to study at NAU:

Academic Qualification

The academic criteria typically require a 3.0 GPA in previous studies, along with official transcripts or school reports. For programs like Engineering, specific course prerequisites may be required.

Here are the academic requirements:

Note: Requirements vary with programs. Check the official website for the latest updates.

Language Proficiency

International students are required to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Here are the language scores needed:

Note: Requirements vary with programs. Check the official website for the latest updates.

Competitive Exams

Undergraduate programs require you to qualify through standardized tests like the SAT or ACT.

Below are the competitive scores typically expected:

Note: Requirements vary with programs. Check the official website for the latest updates.

Visa Requirements

According to the American Immigration Lawyers' Association (AILA), 327 US student visas were revoked this year. It is necessary to understand the student visa requirements to avoid this situation. 

Here are the detailed visa requirements:

Application Deadline and Intakes

NAU has a total enrollment of 28,194 students and has two major intakes: Fall and Spring. International students can enroll in either the Fall or Spring intake for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Below are the application timelines for different intakes:

Are you unsure whether your results meet the admission requirements? For comprehensive requirements and eligibility criteria, visit the Northern Arizona University Admission Page.

With the requirements and deadlines covered, let’s now explore some popular programs you can study at NAU.

With more than 120 undergraduate programs and a wide variety of graduate programs, NAU is known for its strengths in areas like environmental science, forestry, education, and health sciences. The university also offers programs in emerging fields to prepare students for future-ready careers.

Here's a look at some popular programs offered at Northern Arizona University:

• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences: This program provides a strong foundation in environmental science, preparing students for careers in conservation, research, and policy.
• Bachelor of Science in Forestry: A flagship program, Forestry at NAU provides hands-on training in forest management, ecology, and conservation.
• Bachelor of Education (various specializations): NAU's Education programs prepare future teachers for successful careers in elementary, secondary, and special education.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing: This program prepares students for careers as registered nurses, with clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings.
• Master of Science in Biology: Offers research-oriented training in various areas of biology, including ecology, evolution, and molecular biology.

For a clearer understanding of programs, let’s take a look at the tuition fees for different programs, such as MS and MBA.

 Program Fees at Northern Arizona University

An undergraduate degree at NAU typically costs around $11,688 (INR 9.99L) and $12,320 (INR 1.06L) for a graduate program. You have to pay different fees if you are a non-resident or an international student.

Below is a breakdown of tuition fees for key programs at Northern Arizona University.

Note: Currency conversions are approximate (1 USD = 80 INR).

Tuition fees vary based on the specialization; refer to the official NAU website for current information.

Apart from tuition fees, students at Northern Arizona University must also cover additional costs, including accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses. Below is a breakdown of course-wise fees and the estimated living costs.

Tuition costs differ by program and level of study. For example, a UG degree costs around USD $13,009, while a PG course may range from $13,641- $31,979.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of tuition fees across different programs:

Cost of Living

The cost of living depends on your lifestyle preferences. If you live off-campus, you’ll also need to account for transportation costs.

Here are the additional expenses to consider:

To reduce your expenses, consider applying for NAU scholarships or external funding options. Let’s explore some of the available opportunities.

Scholarships can be merit-based or need-based, with varying eligibility criteria. There are also options for loans and discounts for certain categories of students, including alumni. It offers over 10 freshman tuition scholarships for incoming first-year students. 

Below are some internal and external scholarships available to students:

Internal Scholarships

NAU offers a variety of internal scholarships to support students based on academic merit. These scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of tuition. The President’s scholarship awards up to $9,000 (INR 7.69 L).

Here are some internal scholarships available to students:

External Scholarships

With over 128 external scholarships, primarily funded by the government and private organizations, NAU offers various opportunities for students to receive financial aid. These awards often cover tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs.

Here are some external scholarships available to international students:
After exploring financial aid through scholarships, let’s look at the career and placement opportunities offered by NAU.

After exploring financial aid through scholarships, let’s look at the placement opportunities offered by NAU.

Northern Arizona University facilitates career development through its Career Development Office and various departmental initiatives focused on Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and internship programs. NAU graduates earn a median annual salary of $50,000 (INR 42.7L).
Here’s a snapshot of NAU’s placement rates: 

Key features of NAU’s work-integrated learning:

Career Exploration:

• Helps students identify strengths, interests, and career paths.
• 70% of students engage with career assessments to guide their future careers.

Resume and Cover Letter Reviews:

• Offers individualized resume reviews and workshops.
• Graduates see a 30% higher interview rate after utilizing these services.

Internship Opportunities:

• Connects students with internships via platforms like Handshake.
• 80% of students secure internships before graduation, leading to full-time roles.

Job Search Strategies:

• Provides job search guidance through career fairs and networking events.
• 85% of students secure jobs within six months of graduation.

Mock Interviews:

• Utilizes the STAR method for interview preparation.
• Students who participate have a 40% higher success rate in job placement.

Next, let’s explore the top companies that hire Northern Arizona University graduates.

Top Recruiters

While Northern Arizona University may not provide direct job placements in the same manner as some institutions, students often secure internships that lead to full-time roles. 99.87% of graduates find employment with firms in the US across various sectors.

Here are some top companies that hire Northern Arizona University graduates:

• Aerotek: Recruiters in technical, professional, and industrial fields.
• Allstate: Offers opportunities in the insurance sector, including roles in claims, sales, and customer service.
• Arizona Diamondbacks: Recruiters for positions in sports analytics, marketing, and event management.
• Arrivia: Recruits professionals in the travel and hospitality industry.
• Bank of America: Hires for financial and banking positions, including roles in customer service, finance, and management.

Internship and Co-op Opportunities

Students can explore career development opportunities through resources such as Handshake. This platform aims to connect you with employers for job opportunities.

Here are some career development resources at NAU:

• The NAU Global Career Accelerator: Through the NAU Global Career Accelerator, which it offers in collaboration with Podium Education, you can gain access to a private career network and add real-world experience to your résumé for credit.
• Partnered Internships:  To provide internship opportunities in a range of important fields, NAU has partnered with businesses, associations, and nonprofits to create these programs. It oversees a number of yearly internship programs and assists students in exploring and locating an internship that suits their needs and interests.

Northern Arizona University's strengths and offerings become clearer when compared with similarly ranked institutions. Let’s explore how NAU fares when compared to similar universities.

Internship and Co-op Opportunities

Students can explore career development opportunities through resources such as Handshake. This platform aims to connect you with employers for job opportunities.

Here are some career development resources at NAU:

• The NAU Global Career Accelerator: Through the NAU Global Career Accelerator, which it offers in collaboration with Podium Education, you can gain access to a private career network and add real-world experience to your résumé for credit.
• Partnered Internships:  To provide internship opportunities in a range of important fields, NAU has partnered with businesses, associations, and nonprofits to create these programs. It oversees a number of yearly internship programs and assists students in exploring and locating an internship that suits their needs and interests.

Northern Arizona University's strengths and offerings become clearer when compared with similarly ranked institutions. Let’s explore how NAU fares when compared to similar universities.

You can make an informed decision about whether Northern Arizona University is the right fit by comparing it with other universities.

One indicator of graduate employability is the average placement wage at NAU, which is $50,000 (INR 42.7L), as opposed to $60,500 (INR 5.16L) at Kent State University. This makes it easier to understand what each university has to offer.

For a clearer picture, let’s compare Northern Arizona University with Columbia University and Harvard University.

Note: The tuition fee is calculated as the average for top courses. Currency conversions are approximate (1 USD = 85 INR).

Northern Arizona University, Kent State University, and Golden Gate University cater to distinct student needs. NAU (QS 1001-1200) offers specialized programs in

Environmental Science, Forestry, and Nursing, with tuition ranging from $13,009-$31,979 (INR 1.12L-INR 2.56L) and scholarships such as the Lumberjack Scholars Award. Kent State (QS 1001-1200) provides a broader academic catalog (375 courses) in Business, Technology, and Law, with higher average graduate salaries ($60,500) (INR 5.16L).

After comparing Northern Arizona University with other institutions, let’s explore what student life is like on campus.

Student life at Northern Arizona University engages students, offering a variety of activities for all interests. With over 20 campus locations, NAU provides opportunities to connect with fellow students and enhance your college experience.

Here are some ways to get involved at Northern Arizona University:

• NAU Campus Recreation: Access facilities like the Wall Aquatic Center and the Student Recreation Center. Join group fitness classes, intramural sports, and outdoor adventure trips.
• Clubs and Organizations: Choose from a wide range of student-led groups, including academic, cultural, social, and service-oriented clubs. These clubs host regular meetings, events, and activities. 
• ASNAU (Associated Students of NAU): Get involved in student government and advocate for student interests on campus. 
• Cultural Events and Performances: Attend music concerts, theater productions, art exhibitions, and cultural festivals hosted on campus. 
• Outdoor Adventures: Explore the natural beauty of Flagstaff and the surrounding area through hiking, camping, skiing, and other outdoor activities organized by NAU Outdoors. 

NAU alumni have made important contributions in a variety of domains, such as academia, athletics, politics, and more. Here are a few well-known alumni.

Northern Arizona University has a global alumni network of graduates contributing to fields ranging from business to science to the arts. It has over 200,995 alumni involved in various business and academic fields. 

Here are some of the well-known alumni from Northern Arizona University: