So you're thinking about Northern Arizona University degrees? Smart move. I remember when my cousin was deciding where to pursue environmental science - NAU kept popping up as this hidden gem. Let me walk you through everything that actually matters when considering degrees at Northern Arizona University, not just the brochure stuff.
Funny story - when I visited Flagstaff last fall, I met three different park rangers at Grand Canyon who all had NAU degrees. That says something about their environmental programs, doesn't it?
What Degrees Does Northern Arizona University Actually Offer?
Northern Arizona University isn't some tiny college. We're talking over 150 degree programs across seven colleges. But let's cut through the noise - here's what really stands out:
Undergraduate Programs That Get People Talking
| College | Top Programs | Special Features | Credit Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of the Environment | Environmental Science, Forestry, Geology | Fieldwork at Grand Canyon (seriously, they go every semester) | 120 credits |
| College of Engineering | Civil Engineering, Computer Science | Industry partnerships with Intel and Raytheon | 128 credits |
| College of Health & Human Services | Nursing, Physical Therapy, Communication Sciences | 97% NCLEX pass rate for nursing | 120-136 credits |
| W.A. Franke College of Business | Finance, Hotel & Restaurant Management | Las Vegas casino management internships | 120 credits |
The environmental programs? Honestly unmatched. My cousin did water testing at Lake Powell as a sophomore - try getting that opportunity elsewhere. The hotel management program's connection to Vegas casinos means graduates often walk straight into $60k+ jobs.
Graduate Degrees Worth Your Time
- Master of Education - Special education track has 100% job placement
- MS in Computer Information Technology - Can complete entirely online in 12 months
- Doctor of Physical Therapy - Requires 3,000 clinical hours (way above average)
- MBA - AACSB accredited with healthcare or logistics concentrations
That physical therapy program? Brutal but worth it - graduates average $85k starting in Arizona. The computer IT master's is shockingly affordable at about $15k total if you accelerate.
Northern Arizona University Degrees Online - The Real Deal
Okay let's talk about NAU's online degrees because frankly, they're better than most. Not just recorded lectures - actual interactive programs.
The Good: Their competency-based option lets you speed through material you know (saves tons of money). Nursing and education degrees have residency options near you.
The Not-So-Good: Lab sciences still require in-person sessions. Some group projects can be timezone nightmares.
Here's what surprised me: I took one of their online anthropology courses just to test it. The professor did live video office hours from an actual archaeology dig. That's commitment.
| Degree Type | Delivery Format | Average Completion Time | Tuition Per Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competency-Based | Self-paced online | 18-24 months | $3,000 per 6-month term (unlimited courses) |
| Standard Online | Structured semesters | 2-4 years | $500-$650 |
| Hybrid Programs | Mix of online & in-person | Varies by program | $550-$750 |
What Will This Actually Cost You?
Let's be real - tuition pages are confusing. Here's what Northern Arizona University degrees cost without the jargon:
- In-state undergrads: $11,896 yearly tuition
- Out-of-state undergrads: $26,642 (ouch, but keep reading)
- Graduate programs: $700-$950 per credit hour
But here's what nobody tells you: about 75% of students get scholarships. Not just merit stuff either. There's this cool Lumberjack Scholarship that automatically gives $10k/year if you have a 3.5 GPA. Even their housing costs less than most Arizona schools - around $8,300 for dorms with meal plans.
Oh, and pro tip: their Western Undergraduate Exchange program gives tuition discounts to students from 15 western states. Suddenly that out-of-state tuition drops to about $15,000. Big difference.
Getting In - What They Really Care About
Northern Arizona University isn't crazy selective (about 78% acceptance), but some programs are competitive:
| Program | Minimum GPA | Other Requirements | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing (BSN) | 3.5 | TEAS exam, 100 clinical hours | 34% |
| Physical Therapy (DPT) | 3.4 | 500 observation hours, 3 recommendations | 28% |
| Computer Science | 3.0 | Math placement test | 67% |
Regular admission? Pretty straightforward. Minimum 2.9 GPA OR top 25% of your class. Test-optional now. What I appreciate is they look at upward grade trends - bombed freshman year? Improvement matters.
My friend got in with a 2.85 GPA because she wrote about rebuilding her grades after her mom got sick. NAU actually reads application essays.
After Graduation - Is That Degree Worth It?
This is where Northern Arizona University degrees surprise people. Check these numbers:
- 94% employment rate for engineering grads within 6 months
- Nursing graduates average $72,000 starting salary in Arizona
- Hospitality management grads see $58,000 average starting at Vegas resorts
Their career center does something brilliant - "industry clusters" where they connect you with alumni in specific fields. Want healthcare in Phoenix? They'll introduce you to 10 people.
Alumni You Might Recognize
Ever watch the Weather Channel? Meteorologist Mike Bettes (NAU atmospheric science). That viral TikTok archaeologist? Kylie Quave (anthropology PhD). Even the CEO of PetSmart went here.
Northern Arizona University Degrees FAQ
Can I finish a Northern Arizona University degree faster?
Absolutely. Their competency-based program lets you test out of material you know. I met someone who finished their business degree in 14 months by accelerating.
How cold does Flagstaff really get?
Seriously cold. We're talking snow from November to April. Campus has tunnels connecting buildings though - smart design.
Are online degrees respected?
Identical diplomas to on-campus. Employers won't know unless you tell them.
What's parking like?
Honestly? Terrible. Most students walk, bike, or use shuttles. They sell more permits than spots - budget for off-campus parking.
My Personal Take on Northern Arizona University Degrees
After digging into this, here's my blunt assessment:
Worth It For: Environmental sciences, forestry, nursing, hospitality, education. Their competency-based online degrees are genius for working adults.
Think Twice If: You want big-city nightlife (Flagstaff has 75,000 people) or need extensive research lab access for hard sciences.
That Grand Canyon connection isn't marketing fluff. I've seen geology students collecting samples right there while tourists take selfies. If you're into outdoorsy fields, it's hard to beat. Business programs? Solid but not Wharton. Engineering's growing fast thanks to those Phoenix partnerships.
Bottom line - Northern Arizona University degrees shine in specific areas. Know what you're getting: smaller classes (average 26 students), mountain town vibes, and programs built around Arizona's unique environment and industries.
Still not sure? Call their admissions. Seriously. When I called posing as a prospective student, they spent 45 minutes walking through degree maps without rushing. That personal attention? That's the NAU difference.
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