Overview
Founded in 1899 as the Northern Arizona Normal School to train teachers, Northern Arizona University has grown into a comprehensive public research institution serving students across Arizona and beyond. Located at the base of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, NAU earned R1 research university status and is particularly recognized for its programs in forestry, environmental science, hospitality management, health sciences, and education. The university has built a strong reputation for affordability and access while expanding its research portfolio in sustainability, astronomy, and biomedical sciences.
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | Flagstaff, Arizona |
| Founded | 1899 |
| Total students | 28,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 18:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 83% |
| Graduation rate | 58% |
| Average starting salary | $48,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $12,700 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $28,300 |
| Room & board | $13,200 |
| Average financial aid | $14,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 990-1210 |
| ACT range | 18-24 |
| Average GPA | 3.30 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Forestry
- Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Nursing
- Education
- Environmental Science
- Astronomy
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.