Quick Summary
Situated in Flagstaff, United States, Northern Arizona University is a public research university established in 1899. Ranked #801-850 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 28090 students including 4.5% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Forestry, Hospitality & Leisure Management, Earth & Marine Sciences, it maintains an acceptance rate of 80%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Highly ranked research programs set in a unique high-altitude mountain environment with small class sizes.
Subject Strengths
ForestryHospitality & Leisure ManagementEarth & Marine SciencesEducationEcology
Founded1899
TypePublic Research University
Total Students28090
Intl Students4.5%
Faculty Ratio19
CampusMountainous / Urban
Campus Size829 acres
Affiliated HospitalsFlagstaff Medical Center
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (HLC)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#801-850
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#501-600
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#601-700
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Certificates
Programs
23
PhD Programs
NAU Online (over 100 programs available)
Online Programs
Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research, Center for Health Equity Research
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate80%
IELTS6
TOEFL70
Min GPA3
GREVaries by program (many optional)
GMATVaries by program
SATOptional
ACTOptional
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 1
SPRINGApplication Deadline · December 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on cumulative GPA; NAU offers rolling admission but early application is recommended for scholarship consideration.
05
Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$28,500/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$16,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$30,500/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$50
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$45,050/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailablePresidential, Gold, Blue, International Excellence Award
Avg Scholarship$7,500
Financial AidAvailable (FAFSA for domestic, merit-based for international)
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Certificates programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Business Administration | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Psychology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Elementary Education | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Biology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Forestry | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$52,000
Average Salary After Graduation
91%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Southwest regional industries and national partners
Industry Connections
W.L. Gore & AssociatesState FarmRaytheonNational Park Service
Notable Alumni
Diana Gabaldon, Raul Grijalva, Clyde Tombaugh (former faculty/affiliate)
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome, Wall Aquatic Center, Recreation Center
Student Clubs
400
Library Resources
Cline Library, Special Collections and Archives
Exchange Programs
Education Abroad programs in over 70 countries
Summer Programs
Available