Steps to apply: graduate student

Submitting your application: step-by-step

1. Review graduate student qualifications

If you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, college, or university with a 3.0 GPA or higher, you may be eligible to apply for admission to NAU as a graduate student.

NAU admission requirements are the same whether you apply to the main campus in Flagstaff, an online graduate program, or any of our statewide locations.

2. Review the admission requirements

Graduate admission GPA requirements at NAU

• Most programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from your bachelor’s degree.
• Your undergraduate experience should be similar to what’s expected for an NAU bachelor’s degree.
• Some programs have different GPA or admission requirements—check your specific degree program for details.

Application review process

Once your application is complete, it goes through a two-step review:

• Your program reviews your application materials and makes a recommendation.
• Graduate Admissions reviews the recommendation and makes the final admission decision.

Admission decisions

Regular admission

Most students are admitted through this standard process. If you meet all admission criteria, your program recommends you, and the Office of Graduate & Professional Studies (OGPS) gives final approval, you’ll begin your graduate studies 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

Regular admission means you’re fully ready to begin your graduate journey.

Conditional admission

If you don’t meet all the requirements for regular admission, you might still be admitted on a conditional basis. Conditional admission can happen for several reasons, such as:

• 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*

To earn regular status, you’ll need to meet the conditions outlined in your admission letter. If not met, continuation in the program may not be allowed.

*Preplan status allows you to start coursework while your admission file is finalized. Keep in mind, completing Preplan courses doesn’t guarantee regular admission.

Non-degree admission

Want to sharpen your skills or explore graduate coursework without enrolling in a full program? NAU offers non-degree admission for personal and professional enrichment.

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)

Non-degree options are ideal for educators, professionals, or curious learners.

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. Understand your residency classification

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

• 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 a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after it becomes available each fall. NAU’s priority filing date is April 1. (You can complete your FAFSA before applying to NAU.)
• Be sure to include NAU institution code 001082.
• Renew it each year to qualify for many types of financial aid.
• Undocumented students who are ineligible to complete the FAFSA can complete the CSS profile using NAU school code 4006.

5. Veteran and military-connected students

For information, guidance, and specific next steps, view the the Veteran and Military-Connected Checklist, your resources for VA benefits, getting connected, academic resources, and more.

We encourage you to get in touch via email (military@nau.edu) or phone (928-523-0097).

Submit your application

Advance your knowledge and increase your earning potential when you apply for graduate study at NAU. 

Next steps after applying

1. Set up your NAU email and student account

After you apply to NAU for a graduate program, you’ll receive a confirmation communication with your user ID. With this user ID, you’ll be able to set up your NAU accounts and access important tools like LOUIE and Canvas.

Check your NAU Gmail, personal email, and LOUIE regularly for important updates.

2. Check 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. Check for next steps from your program

Check for next steps from your program’s department, such as advising appointments, onboarding, or prerequisites. After you apply, NAU will continue guiding you through every step.

Altering your application

Need to change your start term?

Life happens—we get it. If your plans shift:

• Contact your academic department to request a new start term.
• If approved, the department will coordinate with OGPS to update your admission.

Note: Admission can only be deferred once. If you need to delay again, you may need to reapply.

Thinking about a different program?

Already applied but realized another program is a better fit? Reach out to Graduate Admissions for guidance on the process. You may need to submit a new application to the new program.

4. If you’ve been admitted, congratulations! 

Accept your offer and follow 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.