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Northern Arizona University

Apply for first-year
Northern Arizona University campus

At 7,000 feet in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University offers high-impact learning in one of the most beautiful college towns in the West. Picture this: learning in a laid-back town where adventure is just outside your door. With some of the best tuition savings in the western U.S., your education won’t break the bank. With 100+ majors, real research opportunities (even as a first-year student), and professors who actually know your name, NAU sets you up to thrive. Whether you're hiking between classes or studying under the pines, this is more than college—it’s learning in a place you’ll love to live.

Accepts first-year applicationsWestPublicLarge (15,000+)Co-Ed
Virtual Tour

Academic programs

  • Design
  • Engineering
  • Research
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Liberal Arts
  • Business
  • Education
  • Nursing
  • Communication
  • Music
  • Art & Design
  • Economics
  • Finance/Accounting
  • Government/Political Science
  • Health Science
  • Performing Arts
  • Social Science
  • Visual Arts
  • Psychology
  • Computer Science
  • Public health

Student experience

  • Athletics
  • Disability Services
  • Greek Life
  • Intramural/Club Sports
  • LGBTQIA Services
  • Military/Veteran Services
  • On-Campus Housing
  • ROTC Program
  • Study Abroad
  • Undergraduate Research

Application information

First-year

First-year students at Northern Arizona University are students about to graduate high school or have earned fewer than 12 college credits after graduation.
Read about other student types. 

NAU guarantees admission with a core GPA of 2.5+ (4.0 scale): 
  • 4 years English
  • 4 years Math
  • 3 years Laboratory Science 
  • 2 years Social Science, including 1 year of U.S. History
  • 1 year Fine Arts/CTE

Transfer

Take what you’ve started and finish strong at Northern Arizona University. We make transferring easy—with generous credit transfer policies, dedicated support, and one of the lowest tuition rates in the West. Whether you're continuing your journey online or on our Flagstaff campus, NAU helps you stay on track and graduate with purpose.

Go to NAU.edu/apply to apply as a transfer student and find everything you need—deadlines, fees, and requirements included.

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Additional information

Invest in your long game—without breaking the bank. At Northern Arizona University, we’re all about making a world-class education possible. Our tuition is already among the lowest in the West, and we back that up with scholarships and financial aid to help make your college dream a reality.

When you apply to NAU, you’re automatically considered for a merit scholarship—no separate application needed. Live out-of-state? You could qualify for the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), which brings a big tuition discount your way.

Other aid, grants, and personalized support from our Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid make it easier to plan paying for college with confidence. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step.

For more information, go to: nau.edu/financial-aid

Visit us

Come see what it’s like to live and learn at 7,000 feet. A campus visit to Northern Arizona University means crisp mountain air, blue skies, and a first-hand look at where your college journey could begin. You’ll explore classrooms, residence halls, dining, and all the spots that make Flagstaff one of the best college towns in the West. Bring comfy shoes, questions, and maybe a hoodie—this mountain weather keeps you on your toes.
Take a tour at NAU

At NAU, I have been given the opportunity to not only display my skills but harness and develop myself to new heights that I never thought possible as a student and individual. I am forever grateful to this university for this opportunity.