Freshman tuition scholarships

NAU makes college more affordable for first-year students. You’ll be automatically considered for scholarships, and there are even more ways to boost your financial aid! Here’s how to get started.

When you apply to NAU as a first-year student, you’ll automatically be considered for tuition scholarships, no extra steps needed. Just be sure to fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early to make the most of all available aid. Private scholarships may have their own applications, and we’ll walk you through that too.

Arizona residents

ScholarshipGPA (unweighted H.S. core*)Annual amount
Lumberjack Scholars Award3.75–4.0$11,000
President's3.5–3.74$9,000
Dean’s with Distinction3.4–3.49$6,500
Dean's3.0–3.39$5,000
OpportunityAdmitted–2.99$2,500

*For more information on how the High School Core GPA is calculated, please review the admissions requirements.

Scholarships will renew automatically for three additional years as long as students meet renewal criteria.

Access2Excellence (A2E)

NAU covers 100% of tuition for eligible Arizona residents with a household income up to $65,000. And if you’re a member of one of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes, you qualify for A2E no matter your income or state of residency. Applies to Flagstaff and statewide campus students (but not online). Learn more about Access2Excellence.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

If you’re from a western state, you may qualify for the WUE program, which gives you a major tuition discount as an out-of-state student. It’s a smart way to save and expand your options. Discover what Western Undergraduate Exchange is all about.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) graphic showing the automatic WUE discount, guaranteed scholarship, and remaining tuition. The value of WUE at NAU.
ScholarshipGPA (unweighted H.S. core*)Annual amount
Excellence3.75–4.0$8,500
Gold3.5–3.74$8,000
Blue3.0–3.49$7,000
OpportunityAdmitted–2.99$4,500

*For more information on how the High School Core GPA is calculated, please review the admissions requirements.

Out-of-State (non-WUE)

ScholarshipGPA (unweighted H.S. core*)Annual amount
President’s Excellence3.5–4.0$11,000
President's3.0–3.49$9,000

*For more information on how the High School Core GPA is calculated, please review the admissions requirements.

Scholarship eligibility and general criteria

To be considered for NAU’s tuition scholarships, you must:

  • be working toward your first bachelor’s degree
  • be enrolled full-time (12+ credits)
    • (We recommend 15 credits per semester to stay on track to graduate in 4 years.)
  • attend Flagstaff or a statewide campus
  • accept your admission and pay the enrollment fee
  • submit final high school transcripts right after graduation

Note: These scholarships apply to tuition only and can’t be combined with other NAU tuition awards (outside scholarships are okay as long as the total doesn’t exceed tuition).

Keeping your scholarship

Your tuition scholarship is renewable for up to 4 years (8 semesters) as long as you:

  • maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA at NAU
  • stay enrolled full-time (12+ credits per semester)

Can’t meet the renewal requirements due to extenuating circumstances? Submit a Scholarship Reinstatement Request and we’ll do our best to help.

Studying abroad?

Good news! Most tuition scholarships can be used toward NAU’s education abroad or exchange programs. They don’t apply to faculty-led or provider programs, though. Reach out to Financial Aid if you’re planning to study internationally.

Additional awards

President's International Baccalaureate (IB)

Award amount: $5,000 per academic year (fall and spring)

Selection: The IB diploma is awarded to students who earn at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance across the whole program and to satisfactory participation in the creativity, action, and service requirements. The maximum a Diploma Program student can earn is 45 points.

Eligibility: Arizona residents and non-residents (including WUE students)

Renewal criteria: Maintain a 2.0 cumulative NAU GPA

Multiple scholarship awards: This award can be combined with other tuition scholarships as long as it does not exceed the cost of the out-of-state portion of tuition.

Arizona Academic Decathlon

Award amount: $2,000 per academic year (fall and spring)

Availability: Up to four consecutive years, fall and spring semesters only, provided the student meets the renewal criteria each year. Number of semesters/years is contingent upon academic level when student transfers to NAU.

How to apply: The Arizona Academic Decathlon Association selects the recipients.

Deadline: Priority is given to students who submit their application by Aug. 1 for fall and Dec. 1 for spring.

Selection: Participation in the Arizona Academic Decathlon—either regional or state—for two or more years is required.

Eligibility: Arizona residents only

Renewal criteria: Maintain a 2.0 cumulative NAU GPA

Multiple scholarship awards: This award can be combined with other outside tuition scholarships as long as it does not exceed the cost of tuition. It cannot be combined with other tuition scholarships offered at NAU (the President’s International Baccalaureate scholarship is the only exception).

Questions about freshman tuition scholarships?

Email financial.aid@nau.edu or call 928-523-4951. We're here to help!