Steps to apply: graduate student

Submitting your graduate application: A step-by-step guide

1. Know if you’re eligible

If you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you’re ready to apply to graduate school at NAU.

2. Check your program’s admission requirements

Admission requirements and deadlines will vary from program to program. Most programs require a 3.0 GPA and an academic background that matches the program’s focus. Each degree has its own set of expectations so make sure to review yours in the academic catalog, list of OGPS admission deadlines, or with the department directly.

Application review process

NAU uses a two-step review process. First, your program reviews your application. Then, Graduate Admissions makes the final call. Depending on your background, you’ll receive:

Regular admission

You’ve met all the criteria! Regular admission means you’re ready to dive into graduate-level coursework with full standing. You may qualify if you:

• Meet or exceed GPA and testing requirements (if applicable)
• Have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Satisfy all program-specific prerequisites

Conditional admission

Maybe your GPA is a little shy or you’re wrapping up a prerequisite. No problem. Conditional admission gives you a head start with a plan to meet full requirements soon. Conditional admission can happen for the following reasons:

• Your bachelor’s degree is still in progress
• Your GPA is just below the minimum, but you show strong potential
• You're missing a prerequisite course or experience, which will be completed by the time you begin your graduate studies
• You’re admitted under a “Preplan” status
  • Preplan status allows you to start coursework while your admission file is finalized. Keep in mind, completing Preplan courses doesn’t guarantee regular admission.

To earn Regular Admission status, follow the conditions outlined in your admission letter.

Non-degree admission

Want to sharpen your skills without committing to a full program? Apply as a non-degree student. This is great option for educators, professionals, and curious learners.

Benefits of non-degree status:

• No transcripts or test scores required
• Fast, simplified application process
• Up to 12 units may be applied toward a degree later (if admitted)

Graduate Admissions will notify you directly by email once a decision has been made. Academic departments may reach out earlier, but only Graduate Admissions can issue official admission offers.

3. Know your residency status

Where you live can impact your tuition rate. Living in Arizona for at least 12 months and showing financial independence may qualify you for in-state status. If you think you qualify, submit a residency reclassification petition.

Residency classification

Tuition rates are based on residency status, as determined by Arizona Board of Regents policies. If you move to Arizona for school and stay continuously enrolled, you're generally considered a non-resident for tuition purposes even if you’ve lived here for a while.

Qualifying as a resident

To qualify as resident of Arizona and be eligible for in-state tuition, you must meet the following requirements:

• Live in Arizona for 12 consecutive months before the semester starts.
• Show financial independence (like filing Arizona taxes and being employed).
• Provide clear proof that you plan to make Arizona your long-term home.

Petition for Residency

Think you might qualify as a resident? Submit a residency reclassification petition. Deadlines vary by semester.

4. Apply for financial aid

Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using NAU code 001082 as soon as it’s available in the fall. NAU’s priority deadline is April 1. Undocumented students can apply for aid using the CSS profile (NAU school code: 4006). You’ll renew this application each year to continue being eligible for financial aid.

5. Military-connected?

View the Veteran and Military-Connected Checklist for everything from benefits to advising. Questions? Reach out at military@nau.edu or call 928-523-0097.

Submit your application

Next steps after applying

1. Activate your NAU accounts

Look for your user ID in your confirmation email to access LOUIE and Canvas. Stay in the loop by regularly checking your NAU Gmail and LOUIE dashboard.

2. Track your application status

How to check your graduate 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. Hear from your program

Your department may reach out with advising info, onboarding, or prerequisites. Check your personal and NAU emails regularly for additional next steps.

Altering your application

Need to change your start date?

Life happens. If you need to start later, contact your program. If approved, your admission can shift once.

Changed your mind on programs?

No worries! Contact Graduate Admissions for help applying to a different program.

4. You're in! What's next? 

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

We're here if you need us!

Questions? Our team is ready to guide you through every step. Reach out to the Graduate Admissions team at admissions@nau.edu or 928-523-5511.