Frequently asked questions

Flagstaff is approximately 250 miles southeast of Las Vegas, typically a 4-hour drive, making it a manageable trip for a weekend adventure.

Yes! NAU fully participates in the WUE program. If you are from an eligible state, you will automatically be considered for a 40% tuition discount and a stacked WUE scholarship when you apply.

Explore the WUE program

Yes! NAU welcomes thousands of out-of-state students and supports them through personalized advising programs and financially, via the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program. Eligible students from the 14 western states receive a 40% tuition discount.

First-year students, regardless of residency, are also guaranteed additional tuition scholarships on top of WUE discounted rates.

Learn more about WUE
Explore first-year scholarship opportunities

José Luis Cruz Rivera is the 17th president of Northern Arizona University. President Cruz Rivera was instated on June 14, 2021. To learn more about President Cruz Rivera’s current university initiatives and goals, visit Office of the President.

NAU maintains a structured approach to campus safety, governed by compliance with federal standards, proactive programs, and dedicated resources. Including regulatory compliance and reporting, law enforcement, crime prevention, and awareness programs. To learn about our commitment to safety on campus, visit Safety.

Commencement occurs at the end of the fall and spring semesters each year in the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome. To learn more about commencement schedules and policies, visit Commencement.

With 350+ student clubs and organizations, there's something for everyone at NAU! Whether you're into hiking, gaming, sports, volunteering, or anything else, there's a group of people who share your interests. And if you don't find a club that fits? You can always start your own!

Browse student clubs and organizations at NAU.

With more than 350 student clubs and organizations and annual events like Homecoming and Family Weekend, there's always something going on at NAU!

NAU hosts outdoor adventures, wellness activities, academic workshops, and service opportunities throughout the academic year that are designed to bring students together and help them explore their interests.

Check out NAU's student clubs and organizations and mark your calendar for these annual events.

NAU began as a teachers’ college, and our commitment to education remains central to our mission. Our students, guided by expert faculty and supported by the NAU community, learn in dynamic settings, in person and online. We aim to be a national leader in opportunity, economic mobility, and social impact by providing accessible, high-value education in Arizona and beyond.

Read more about NAU's strategic plan and vision.

NAU’s engineering bachelor's program is ranked #4 in the state of Arizona. With programs like environmental engineering (the first of its kind in Arizona), robotics, and advanced technology, our engineering program encourages innovation in every field.

Learn more about The Steve Sanghi College of Engineering.

Absolutely! NAU’s nursing program is ranked in the top 10% nationally.

Our RN-to-BSN program is ranked #2 in Arizona, as well as being the most affordable RN-to-BSN program in the state.

Explore NAU’s College of Nursing.

Some of the most popular majors at NAU are biology, biomedical sciences, business economics, computer science, construction management, criminology, elementary education, nursing, finance, and engineering.

Explore NAU degrees by areas of interest.

NAU offers more than 80 master's degree programs in business, education, engineering, health, science, and the arts. Programs include options like Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Master of Science in Nursing, and Master of Fine Arts. Many degrees are available in-person, online, or through hybrid formats. Explore graduate degrees and start your application today!

NAU offers more than 150 undergraduate degrees in business, education, health, science, and the arts. Programs are available on the Flagstaff campus, at campuses statewide, and online. Many include research and hands-on learning opportunities. Explore available undergraduate degrees at NAU to find the right fit for your goals!

Absolutely! NAU's Academic Success Center provides students with free mentoring, supplemental instruction, and academic coaching. In addition, we have learning and study spaces across campus, where students can study independently or work collaboratively with their peers.

Visit the Academic Success Center for more information.

NAU out-of-state students have access to a variety of scholarships, including WUE and Non-WUE out-of-state scholarships. ScholarshipUniverse will be your best resource to find exactly what you are eligible for.

Browse scholarships on ScholarshipUniverse.

Applying to universities can feel daunting, but we're here to help every step of the way! Use the step-by-step application guide that best suits your application type for easy-to-follow instructions.

Application steps for first-year students
Application steps for graduate students
Application steps for transfer students
Application steps for international students
Application steps for military/veteran students

Yes! NAU is widely recognized for its research and has built a reputation for scientific discovery and the invention of new technologies. NAU is classified as an R1 research university, the highest level of research activity in the United States.

All of our faculty members are knowledgeable in their fields and have the qualifications needed to teach at Northern Arizona University (NAU). They bring both academic and practical experience to the classroom to support student learning.

Our expert faculty and staff are experienced mentors whose goal is not only to help you earn your degree, but to make sure you find every opportunity to reach your goals.

The new opportunities a college experience brings can be challenging to navigate, but we’re here to help every step of the way.

Yes, NAU offers a wide range of fully online degree programs designed to provide flexibility and accessibility for students wherever they are. Whether you're looking to start your college journey, complete a degree, or pursue graduate studies, our online programs are built to fit your schedule and support your goals. To learn more about available programs, admission requirements, and how to apply, please visit our online degrees page for detailed information.

You’ll find endless outdoor options near NAU’s Flagstaff campus: hiking in the Coconino Forest, skiing/snowboarding at Arizona Snowbowl, mountain biking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and more. Flagstaff is an outdoor-lover’s paradise!

Discover adventure in Flagstaff.

Flagstaff is about 150 miles north of Phoenix, making it a 2 to 2.5-hour drive and perfect for a quick weekend visit or getaway.

Unlike most of Arizona, Flagstaff is fortunate to have four distinct seasons:

• Snowy winters, coupled with Flagstaff’s beautiful mountains, make for iconic skiing and snowboarding seasons.
• Mild and pleasant summers make picnics in the quad and outdoor concerts an ideal way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
• Spring and Fall bring beautiful foliage and crisp air, perfect for keeping cool while exploring some of Flagstaff’s awe-inspiring trails.

NAU's campus feels both expansive and welcoming. Set at 7,000 ft elevation, NAU’s Flagstaff campus is surrounded by nature and spans 883 acres. It's big enough to offer a wealth of opportunity with 44 major academic and administrative buildings, while being close-knit enough that you'll start recognizing faces fast.

The campus offers mountain charm, historic architecture, and modern amenities. See for yourself by planning a visit or taking a virtual tour of our beautiful campus!

College life in Flagstaff is anything but ordinary. With four seasons, mountain views, and a vibrant small-town feel, it’s a place where outdoor adventure and local charm go hand in hand. Students spend their days hiking golden aspen trails in the fall, snowboarding in the winter, and enjoying music festivals or farmers markets in the warmer months. From stargazing at Lowell Observatory to grabbing coffee downtown or exploring Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and other nearby landmarks on day trips, there’s always something to do. Flagstaff is laid-back, welcoming, and naturally beautiful.

Learn more about student life in Flagstaff.

Drivers visiting campus must purchase a permit to park on campus. Parking permits can be purchased for hours, days, or longer depending on your needs. Visit the parking page to learn more.

There are designated parking lots on campus. Students must purchase a permit through our “Manage My Parking” portal to park in designated areas. Choose the right permit based on your class schedule, location preference, and how often you drive. For more information and a map of parking zones, visit the Parking page, or learn more about parking permits.

Purchasing your NAU parking permit is easy! Head to the “Manage My Parking” portal to choose your permit type, pay online, and receive your parking permit in the mail or through digital access. Permits are available for different durations, from day passes to year-long options.

Learn more about parking permits at NAU.

With many restaurants across campus, including late-night options, you’ll find a wide variety of on-campus dining options. With so many choices (including many popular restaurant brands!), we’ve made it easier than ever to customize your experience.

Students can enjoy food and drinks from Jamba Juice, Subway, Qdoba, Burger ConFusion, Pizza Hut Express, The Wedge Pizza, Starbucks, Cobrizo Mexican Grill, Turnip the Greens, Lemon Grass, Einstein Bros. Bagels, The Coupe, 1899 Restaurant, and more.

Meal plan charges appear on your LOUIE account. You can pay in full, or in three equal installments throughout the semester through Student and Departmental Account Services.

Check your balance, restaurant hours, and order food through the Starship Delivery Services, all through the NAUgo app.

Having a meal plan means you’ll always have access to fresh, healthy food on campus with no worry or fuss, and you don’t have to worry about carrying cash. Northern Arizona University’s dining program is recognized as one of the best in the nation. With more than 20 dining locations on campus, having a meal plan provides unparalleled flexibility and access to incredibly diverse menus. Plus, we take convenience to the next level with mobile ordering and robot delivery through the Starship app! Check out meal plan options at NAU.

Meal plans are comprised of two different forms of payment: meals and Dining Dollars.

Meals are allotted either weekly or per semester and can be used in two different ways: to pay for an all-you-care-to-eat meal at a resident dining hall, or for a meal “transfer” (e.g. combo meal) at more than 20 retail dining locations across campus.

Dining dollars are included with every meal plan and can be used just like a debit card. They can be spent in addition to your meals and used across our campus restaurants and markets. You can purchase more Dining Dollars and carry them over from fall to spring semester.

NAU has over 20 campus living communities in Flagstaff that offer a variety of formats including traditional, suite-style, and apartments. Freshmen and sophomores primarily live in traditional and suite-style communities. Juniors, seniors, and graduate students primarily live in apartment communities.

Housing costs vary by living community, room type and occupancy. Visit the Housing page to view rates for the 2025–26 academic year (August–May). Rates include all utilities (electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash), high-speed wired and wireless internet, and laundry.

A $175 housing rent confirmation payment (HRCP) is required to hold your space on campus. The payment applies toward your first semester rent. If you do not make this payment by the due date, your housing application will be canceled.

Due dates vary bay semester and academic year. For the due date most relevant to you, visit the Important dates and deadlines page (for undergraduates) or Graduate admission deadlines page.

You may request a specific person as a roommate on your housing application. If you do not have a specific roommate request, you will be assigned a roommate.

Roommate search opens in January for the fall semester. On your housing application, you will complete a roommate questionnaire to assist with roommate matching. You also have the option to add a personal bio to help others get to know your personality, interests, hobbies, and what you are hoping for in your roommate experience.

Follow steps for how to apply for housing and request a roommate.

Applying early is highly recommended because the sooner you apply, the better your chances are of securing your desired housing. To maximize your chances of getting your preferred room, the housing application opens on November 1 for the fall semester. For incoming freshmen, the priority deadline for guaranteed housing is May 15th.

You will be able to apply for housing one to two days after you have accepted your NAU admission offer and paid your enrollment fee. Visit the housing portal and use your NAU user ID and password to apply for housing.

Many students choose to go car-free thanks to our walkable campus, free campus shuttles, and access to Flagstaff’s Mountain Line bus system. Explore transportation options on the Flagstaff campus.