At $14,922/yr net price, Northern Arizona University graduates earn $54,384/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,384/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,922 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,688 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,384/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,384/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,333/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,015/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,211/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,013/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,484/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $101,406 | $72,425 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,632 | $42,539 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $79,081 | $38,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $76,117 | $26,500 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,890 | $19,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,183 | $87,849 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $68,219 | $22,589 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,042 | $30,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,364 | $18,692 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $61,110 | $20,567 |
The Risk Factor
56.9% of students at Northern Arizona University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Northern Arizona University offers a mixed financial picture with strong returns in specific healthcare and technical fields but weaker outcomes across many programs. The $14,922 annual net price keeps debt manageable, but the 57% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without a degree.
Your best financial bets are nursing and allied health programs, where graduates earn $92,632 and $101,406 respectively. Computer science and engineering also deliver solid returns with lower debt loads. However, these high-earning programs represent a small fraction of NAU's offerings, and most other majors struggle to justify their costs in Arizona's limited job market.
The school's location in Flagstaff creates specific financial risks. You're paying for a college town experience while being geographically isolated from Arizona's major employment centers in Phoenix and Tucson. This distance can limit internship opportunities and post-graduation job prospects, particularly problematic given the state's narrow economy.
NAU works financially if you're entering nursing, healthcare, or STEM fields and plan to relocate after graduation. The relatively low debt burden makes it manageable even for lower-earning majors, but you shouldn't expect strong returns outside the top programs. Students focused on liberal arts, education, or business should consider Arizona State University's broader alumni network and industry connections.
Financial aid reaches only 30% of students, suggesting limited need-based support. Merit scholarships exist but aren't generous enough to significantly alter the value proposition. Your best cost strategy is choosing one of the high-earning majors and completing your degree within four years to minimize total costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern Arizona University worth the cost?
Northern Arizona University offers decent value with a net price of $14,922 and median debt of $19,000, but the 10-year median earnings of $54,384 are below average for a four-year degree. The return depends heavily on your major, with allied health and nursing programs showing strong earning potential.
What are the highest paying majors at Northern Arizona University?
Allied health diagnostic programs lead with median earnings of $101,406, followed by nursing at $92,632 and educational administration at $79,081. Computer science graduates earn around $76,117, while many other programs fall well below the overall median of $54,384.
How much debt do Northern Arizona University graduates typically have?
The median debt at Northern Arizona University is $19,000, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with a 57% graduation rate, many students leave without a degree but still carry debt.
Does Northern Arizona University have good job outcomes after graduation?
Job outcomes vary significantly by program at Northern Arizona University. Health and nursing graduates see strong returns, but the overall median earnings of $54,384 are modest for a bachelor's degree, and the 57% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.