Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University admits 91.0% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive offers of admission. This places Northern Arizona University in the Open Access tier, indicating broad educational accessibility for students across academic preparation levels. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows that Northern Arizona University is more accessible than typical four-year institutions, admitting applicants at a rate 12.9 percentage points higher than similar schools.

This level of accessibility means that most students who apply and meet basic eligibility requirements can expect admission. Open access institutions like Northern Arizona University prioritize educational opportunity over selectivity, serving students who might face barriers at more competitive schools. For prospective students, this means Northern Arizona University can serve as either a primary choice or a reliable backup option within a college application strategy. Students should focus on academic preparation for success once enrolled rather than admission uncertainty. The high acceptance rate reflects the institution's mission to provide broad educational access while maintaining academic standards through support systems rather than exclusionary admission practices.

Northern Arizona University's published cost of attendance is $29,495 per year, including $28,900 in out-of-state tuition (or $12,652 for in-state residents), $11,728 for room and board, and $900 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $14,922 after financial aid, representing savings of $14,573 from the sticker price. This net price compares to a peer median of $15,590, making Northern Arizona University $668 higher than similar institutions.

The financial aid system provides meaningful cost reduction across income levels, with net prices ranging from $10,333 for families earning under $30,000 to $20,484 for those earning over $110,000. This progressive pricing structure reflects targeted aid distribution, with lower-income families receiving substantially more assistance. The $10,151 gap between the lowest and highest income tiers indicates significant aid concentration toward students with the greatest financial need. For families evaluating college costs, Northern Arizona University's aid packaging makes attendance more accessible than the published sticker price suggests, particularly for students from lower and middle-income backgrounds who benefit most from institutional and federal aid programs.

Northern Arizona University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time. Median earnings rise from $47,308 six years after enrollment to $51,271 at eight years and $54,384 at ten years, representing 15.0% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 7,536 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures.

Graduates earn $6,589 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Northern Arizona University in the 78.5th percentile for earnings uplift. This significant positive value indicates the institution delivers stronger outcomes than would be predicted based on its student demographics and institutional characteristics. Low-income graduates earn $42,700, demonstrating solid post-graduation outcomes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Earnings span from $35,991 at the 25th percentile to $78,281 at the 75th percentile, reflecting program diversity and career trajectory differences. Approximately 27.2% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.

Northern Arizona University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking. General Studies ranks #22 nationally and #2 in Arizona, producing 546 graduates with median earnings of $48,759 and an outstanding value score of 88.4. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #61 nationally and #1 in Arizona, graduating 526 students with median earnings of $75,641 and a strong value score of 78.1.

Biology, General ranks #179 nationally and #2 in Arizona, graduating 445 students with median earnings of $45,255. Business Administration and Management, General produces 372 graduates with median earnings of $53,570, ranking #255 nationally. Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching demonstrates exceptional value with a score of 78.9, graduating 309 students with median earnings of $43,754. The institution's program portfolio spans health professions, engineering, business, education, and liberal arts, providing diverse pathways for student career interests while maintaining solid employment outcomes across fields.