About Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University draws 23,041 students to the mountains of Flagstaff, where the campus sits at 7,000 feet elevation. The public research university built its reputation on forestry and education programs that take advantage of the surrounding wilderness. Notable graduates include Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series, and actor Ted Danson. The 79.99% acceptance rate makes NAU accessible to most applicants, though the mountain setting and outdoor focus attract students seeking adventure alongside academics.
Students pay an average net price of $14,922 after financial aid, making NAU relatively affordable for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median of $54,384 ten years after leaving school, while typical debt loads hit $19,000. The monthly loan payment of $201 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. The 95.3% employment rate shows strong job prospects, though the 56.90% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish.
Women outnumber men at 63.50% to 36.50%, creating a female-heavy student body. The Lumberjacks compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 11 sports with 338 total athletes. About two-thirds of students come from Arizona, giving NAU a strong in-state character while still drawing students from across the country to experience mountain college life.
Students pay an average net price of $14,922 after financial aid, making NAU relatively affordable for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median of $54,384 ten years after leaving school, while typical debt loads hit $19,000. The monthly loan payment of $201 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. The 95.3% employment rate shows strong job prospects, though the 56.90% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish.
Women outnumber men at 63.50% to 36.50%, creating a female-heavy student body. The Lumberjacks compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 11 sports with 338 total athletes. About two-thirds of students come from Arizona, giving NAU a strong in-state character while still drawing students from across the country to experience mountain college life.
Academics & Faculty
Northern Arizona University stands out as a public research university with particularly strong programs in forestry, education, and environmental sciences. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 58% four-year graduation rate suggests students may need extra time to complete degrees. NAU's mountain campus at 7,000 feet elevation creates unique opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental studies programs. The university has built a solid reputation in teacher preparation and natural resource management. With 79% of applicants accepted, NAU welcomes a broad range of students while maintaining academic standards. The forestry program especially benefits from the surrounding Coconino National Forest setting.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 70.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 58.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 56.9%
- Retention Rate
- 72.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,384
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $101,406 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,632 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $79,081 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $76,117 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,890 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,183 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $68,219 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,042 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,364 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $61,110 |
Campus Life
Flagstaff sits at 7,000 feet elevation in the ponderosa pine forests, making Northern Arizona University one of the few college campuses where you'll genuinely need winter coats and boots. About 45% of the 23,041 students live in on-campus housing, creating a tight-knit mountain community feel despite the large enrollment. The campus sits roughly 150 miles north of Phoenix, giving students access to both outdoor adventures and urban internships.
Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, with snow covering the campus from December through March. Students embrace the mountain lifestyle with weekend trips to nearby ski slopes, hiking trails, and the Grand Canyon just 90 minutes away. The Lumberjacks nickname reflects the forestry heritage that still defines much of campus culture. With women making up 63.5% of the student body, the social scene tends to be collaborative rather than competitive. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate campus culture like it might at other state schools.
Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, with snow covering the campus from December through March. Students embrace the mountain lifestyle with weekend trips to nearby ski slopes, hiking trails, and the Grand Canyon just 90 minutes away. The Lumberjacks nickname reflects the forestry heritage that still defines much of campus culture. With women making up 63.5% of the student body, the social scene tends to be collaborative rather than competitive. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate campus culture like it might at other state schools.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 10,274 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1899
Campus Safety (2023)
260 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 33 | 23 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 26 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 26 | 18 | 2 | 0 |
| Rape | 20 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 19 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–43°F
- July Avg
- 51°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 20.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 90.1"
Student Demographics
Northern Arizona draws students who want a mountain campus experience without breaking the bank. Two-thirds of students come from Arizona, reflecting the university's strong reputation for teacher training and forestry programs that serve the state's needs. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, largely due to NAU's popularity for education majors. Nearly 30% receive Pell Grants, making this an accessible option for working-class Arizona families. The significant Hispanic enrollment mirrors the state's demographics. Students here tend to be practical-minded, choosing NAU for its career-focused programs and affordable tuition.
- Men
- 36.5%
- Women
- 63.5%
- White
- 54.4%
- Black
- 2.9%
- Hispanic
- 26.5%
- Asian
- 3.8%
- In-State Students
- 65.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.8%
Location
Flagstaff sits in northern Arizona's high country at 7,000 feet elevation, about 150 miles north of Phoenix. The mountain town of 76,000 residents revolves around Northern Arizona University and timber industry heritage. Snow covers the campus most winters while students enjoy hiking and skiing in the surrounding Coconino National Forest. With 65.57% of students coming from in-state, many arrive from Arizona's desert cities seeking cooler temperatures and outdoor recreation. The small city setting provides a classic college town atmosphere where the university dominates local culture. Downtown Flagstaff offers walkable streets lined with local restaurants and shops catering to the student population. Students considering colleges in Arizona may also compare Northern Arizona University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Flagstaff, Arizona 86011-4092
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,384
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,682
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $201/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Northern Arizona University?
Northern Arizona University accepts 79.99% of applicants, making it fairly accessible for students. The university welcomes a diverse student body of 23,041 students to its mountain campus in Flagstaff.
How much does Northern Arizona University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,922 at Northern Arizona University. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $10,333, making this public university particularly affordable for lower-income students.
What is Northern Arizona University known for academically?
Northern Arizona University has built its reputation on strong forestry and education programs. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, students get solid access to professors while benefiting from the university's research focus and mountain location.
What are the graduation rates at Northern Arizona University?
Northern Arizona University graduates 57.96% of students in four years and 56.90% in six years. Graduates earn a median salary of $54,384 ten years after graduation, with strong employment prospects in education and natural resources fields.
Where is Northern Arizona University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits at 7,000 feet elevation in Flagstaff, offering students a unique mountain campus experience. With housing for 10,274 students and 11 varsity sports teams competing as the Lumberjacks, campus life centers around outdoor recreation and Big Sky Conference athletics.
Does Northern Arizona University have notable alumni?
Northern Arizona University counts several famous graduates including Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander book series, and actors Ted Danson and Andy Devine. The university's 95.3% employment rate shows that graduates consistently find success across various fields beyond entertainment.
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