Steps to apply: first-year student

Applying to college might feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make it as smooth as possible. We’ll walk you through every step so you feel confident, supported, and ready for what’s next.

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Submitting your application: A step-by-step guide

1. Determine if you’re a first-year student

Still in high school or recently graduated and earned fewer than 12 college credits? You’re considered a first-year applicant. If you’ve earned 12+ credits after high school, check our transfer admission requirements.

Four students laughing and smiling and sitting on a wall structure on the N A U campus by Reilly hall.

2. Understand our admission criteria

We offer guaranteed admission to Arizona residents who’ve completed their junior year and are on track to graduate with a core GPA of 2.5+ (4.0 scale).

Course requirements for undergraduate admission

You’ll need to complete at least 14 core courses typically required for AZ high school graduation.

English

Four years of high school English (composition/literacy-based)

OR meet one of the following:

  • ACT: 21+ English score
  • SAT: 580+ Critical Reading score (530+ if taken before March 2016)
  • One transferable three-credit college English Composition course
Mathematics

Four years of high school math

OR meet one of the following:

  • ACT: 24+ math score
  • SAT: 570+ math score (540+ if taken before March 2016)
  • One transferable three-credit college math course for which at least intermediate algebra is a prerequisite
Laboratory Science

Three years of high school laboratory science

OR meet one of the following:

  • ACT: 20+ science score
  • SAT: 600+ chemistry score, 590+ biology score, or 620+ physics score
  • Three transferable four-credit college lab sciences courses
Social Science

Meet one of the following from each section:

  • History/Social Studies
    • One year high school American History
    • SAT II: 560+ American History/Social Studies score
    • One transferable three-credit college American History course
  • Social Science
    • One year of high school social science (such as European history, world history, economics, sociology, geography, government, psychology or anthropology
    • SAT II: 580+ world history score
    • One transferable three-credit college social science course
Fine Arts or Career and Technical Education

Meet one of the following:

  • One year or a two-semester combination of high school fine arts or Career and Technical Education (CTE)
  • One transferable three-credit college fine arts course
Second Language

(Note: Second Language is not required for, but may be used toward, admission to NAU.)

Meet one of the following:

  • Attain a minimum score on national standardized second/foreign language test (AP 3+, CLEP 50+, IB 4+)
  • One year of transferable college study in the same second language

3. Review exceptions to standard requirements

You may qualify for admission with alternate documentation if:

  • You're 22+ years old with a GPA of at least 2.0.
  • You’ve earned a GED with a minimum score of:
    • 500+ (2002 – 2014)
    • 680+ with minimum 170 in each content area (post-2014)
  • You were home-schooled and can provide coursework transcripts.

4. Deficiencies? We’ll help you navigate these.

You can still qualify for admission with up to two course deficiencies. If both are in the same area (like math or science), you may be offered Universal Admission. Common causes include:

  • missing required courses
  • failing a core class and not repeating it
  • earning a subject-area GPA below 2.0

5. Apply for financial aid

Start by submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it opens each fall. NAU’s priority filing date is April 1, but you can complete your FAFSA before applying to NAU. Use NAU's school code (001082), even if you haven't applied yet.

Undocumented students should use the CSS profile with NAU school code 4006.

6. Military-connected students

Veteran and military-connected students should visit the Veteran and Military-Connected Checklist for guidance on benefits, academics, and support. Questions? Email military@nau.edu or call 928-523-0097.

Submit your application

Start your journey as a Lumberjack. Apply today!

Apply to NAU

After you apply: Next steps

1. Activate your NAU accounts

Look for your user ID in your confirmation email to access LOUIE (a tool you’ll use to add/drop classes, check grades and schedules, request unofficial transcripts, view financial accounts and more), and Canvas (NAU’s learning management tool).

Stay in the loop by regularly checking your NAU Gmail, personal email, and LOUIE dashboard.

2. Check your application status

How to check your NAU application status:

  1. Sign in to LOUIE with the user ID provided in your confirmation email.
  2. Click “SA Self Service.”
  3. Click “Learner Services.”
  4. Click “Admissions”, then “Application Status.”

Forgot your password?

Visit the NAU Password Change application and enter the user ID from your confirmation email. You’ll be prompted to answer a security question to retrieve or reset your password.

Need help accessing LOUIE?

Contact the Student Technology Center at ask-stc@nau.edu or call 928-523-9294 for assistance.

3.  You’re officially a Lumberjack! What’s next?

Welcome to NAU! Accept your offer and follow the post-acceptance checklist.

View the post-acceptance checklist

Need help?

Our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way.
Email us at admissions@nau.edu or call 928-523-5511.