Northern Arizona University Acceptance Rate

Did you know? According to students, the most significant aspects of campus and student life are location (47%), quality of life (38%), and campus safety (33%).

Northern Arizona University (NAU) has a 91% acceptance rate for 2025, making it a non-selective institution. This means that for every 100 students who apply, about 91 receive an admission offer. If you plan to apply, understanding the admission requirements can help you prepare better.

While Northern Arizona University is non-selective, its acceptance rate indicates that students with a wide range of academic records, test scores, and experiences have a chance of being admitted. With a well-prepared application, your chances of acceptance are promising.

This blog explores Northern Arizona University's acceptance rate, key admission factors, requirements for international students, and the application process. 

Northern Arizona University Acceptance Rate 2025

Northern Arizona University hosts approximately 1,400 international students. This includes students pursuing degrees,  interns, and Optional Practical Training (OPT) students. These students represent 80 countries and contribute to NAU’s global academic environment. 

Aspects	Details
Acceptance Rate	91%
Total Enrollment	28,518
In-State Applicants	UG: 86% PG: 14%
Out-of-State Applicants	UG: 47% PG: 53%
Average Applicant GPA	3.0
Average ACT Score	21

With a 91% acceptance rate, NAU maintains a non-selective admissions process. The increasing number of applications and the rising academic credentials of applicants reflect NAU's growing appeal among prospective students.​

Not sure how Northern Arizona University's acceptance rate applies to your profile? Book a free 1:1 counseling session with upGrad’s expert advisors to understand how your profile compares and what it means for your chances.

To further understand NAU's admissions scene, let's explore specific aspects, starting with Northern Arizona University’s acceptance rate for international students.

F and J International Student Enrollment

​Northern Arizona University (NAU) has a significant surge in international student enrollment, with a 4% increase in international graduate student enrollment. This growth highlights NAU's commitment to developing a diverse academic community and enhancing its global engagement initiatives.​

The tables below show the international student enrollment trends over Fall 2024.

Career	Full-time	Part-time	Total
Undergraduate	20,044	2,947	22,991
Graduate	3,337	2,140	5,477
Total	23,381	5,087	28,468

Here are the enrollment trends for resident and non-resident students:

Residency	Full-time	Part-time	Total
Resident	16,152	2,823	18,975
Non-Resident	7,229	2,264	9,493
Total	23,381	5,087	28,468

The international students at Northern Arizona University enrolled in full-time courses have the highest number of students.  Now, we will discuss the enrollment of international students by college.

International Student Enrollment by College

​Northern Arizona University (NAU) hosts a diverse international student body across its various colleges. The College of Engineering, Informatics, & Applied Sciences has the highest enrollment for undergraduate students (2,555), and Online, Statewide, & Education Innovation has the lowest (145). 

Understanding the distribution of these students among the different academic divisions provides insight into the global engagement and multicultural environment within each college.

Here’s a college-wise breakdown.

Headcount by college	Undergraduate	Graduate	Total
College of Arts & Letters	1,744	186	1,930
College of Education	1,765	1,442	3,207
College of Engineering, Informatics, & Applied Sciences	2,555	1,415	3,970
College of Health & Human Services	1,708	940	2,648
College of Nursing	1,729	185	1,914
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences	5,278	430	5,708
College of the Environment, Forestry, & Natural Sciences	4,035	380	4,415
Online, Statewide, & Education Innovation	145	0	145
Provost Office	1,005	199	1,204
The W. A. Franke College of Business	3,027	300	3,327
Total	22,991	5,477	28,468

Note: These enrollment figures represent international students across all NAU campuses, including Flagstaff and Yuma. The largest concentration is typically found at the Flagstaff campus, the university’s primary hub for international programs and academic resources.

Many international students at NAU are engaged in OPT and STEM OPT, which allow them to gain practical work experience in the U.S. The table below provides details on the OPT applications.

Top 10 Countries with the Highest Number of International Students at NAU

​Northern Arizona University (NAU) boasts a vibrant international community with students from over 80 countries. As of Fall 2025, the university hosts approximately 1,400 international students under F and J visa classifications. Notably, Japan leads this diverse cohort, contributing 49 students, which constitutes almost 3.5% of the international student population. 

The table below highlights the top 10 countries.

Country	No. of Students
Japan	49
Germany	31
China	22
United Kingdom	17
Netherlands	16
India	14
Mexico	14
Canada	12
Sweden	12
South Korea	9

Analyzing admission trends requires an understanding composition of NAU's international student body. Let's examine the patterns influencing Northern Arizona University’s acceptance rates in the last several years.

Northern Arizona University Acceptance Rate Trends

​Northern Arizona University (NAU) maintains a highly inclusive admissions policy, with an overall acceptance rate of 91%, reflecting its accessibility to a broad range of applicants. 

The university admits 20% male and 80% female applicants, indicating minimal gender disparity in its admissions process. This near-parity suggests NAU’s commitment to equitable evaluation, with both men and women enjoying similarly high chances of acceptance.

Below is a table summarizing Northern Arizona University's acceptance rates for the academic year 2025 based on gender:

Category	Acceptance Rate
Men	20%
Women	80%
Total	100%

These figures indicate the active participation of female students as compared to their male counterparts.

Understanding these trends provides valuable context for prospective students. Next, let's explore the factors that influence admission decisions at NAU.

Factors Influencing Admission at NAU

Northern Arizona University (NAU) considers various factors in its admissions process to evaluate applicants' potential for success. Important criteria include academic achievements, standardized test results, and the difficulty of coursework completed. 

Beyond academics, NAU also values involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and personal attributes, reflecting its holistic approach to reviewing applications. 

All these elements collectively influence the possibility of admission to the university. Next, let's discuss academic performance, which is the primary factor affecting NAU admission.

Academic Performance (GPA & Standardized Tests)

​Admission to Northern Arizona University (NAU) depends on several factors, with academic performance playing a crucial role. Below is an overview of the GPA and standardized test score requirements for various programs and admission pathways for the 2024-2025 academic year.​

General Freshman Admissions

Applicants must meet specific academic criteria to gain admission to Northern Arizona University. A minimum high school GPA of 2.75 is required, demonstrating consistent academic performance. Meeting or exceeding these scores helps strengthen an applicant’s chances of acceptance.

Below are the detailed statistics for General Freshman Admissions:

Criteria	Requirement
High School GPA	2.75 or higher score
SAT Score	4006
ACT Score	86

Honors Programs

The best of Northern Arizona University is accessible through the Honors College. For Fall 2025, the admitted freshmen must have GPAs between 3.0 and 3.81, SAT scores from 1189, and a minimum of 27 for ACT scores. ​

Below are the detailed statistics for the University Honors College:

Program	HS Core GPA	SAT Score	ACT Score
University Honors College	3.0 or higher	Minimum 1189 on the Math and Reading portions	Minimum 27

Specific Program Admissions

NAU offers a competitive M.S. in Biology program. Applicants must have completed specific prerequisite courses and hold a bachelor's degree. Detailed admission requirements are available on their website.

Below are the admission requirements for the M.S. Program:

Program	High School GPA	SAT Score	ACT Score
MS in Biology	3.0 out of a 4.0 scale	NA	NA

English Language Proficiency

​Demonstrating English language proficiency is crucial for international applicants to Northern Arizona University (NAU). You must have a TOEFL iBT score of 70 or above to fulfill the English proficiency requirement. 

Below is a comprehensive table detailing these tests, their minimum score requirements, and corresponding sources:​

Test	Minimum Score Requirement
TOEFL	iBT: 70
IELTS	6.5
PTE	56
Duolingo English Test	95
IB English A	5 for higher level & 6 for standard level
IB English B	7 for higher and standard levels

Transfer Admissions

​Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers transfer admission opportunities for students who have earned 12 or more college credits after high school. 

You will acquire an admission offer if you have completed the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC), AGEC-B, AGEC-S, or the California Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. 

Here’s the breakdown:

Criteria	Requirement
College GPA	2.0 or above

Please note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as NAU has a strict review process that considers various factors beyond academic metrics.

Extracurricular Activities & Leadership Roles

NAU adopts a holistic admissions approach, evaluating academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and leadership experiences to gain a comprehensive understanding of each applicant. 

The university supports a vibrant campus life with over 350 clubs and organizations spanning educational, cultural, recreational, and service areas. These clubs provide valuable opportunities for students to develop leadership skills. 

Below are some key extracurricular opportunities and leadership programs available at NAU:

• 300+ Student Clubs: A strong extracurricular profile, primarily academic or service-based involvement, can reflect leadership and commitment and strengthen applications.
• Academic Organizations: Programs aligned with your intended major (e.g., Pre-Med Club, Finance Club) show academic motivation and focus.
• Fraternities & Sororities: Active participation in Greek life demonstrates social leadership and community engagement—NAU hosts over 30 such chapters.
• Service & Honorary Societies: Membership in groups like Blue Key or NSCS reflects academic excellence and civic responsibility.
• Cultural & Advocacy Groups: Involvement in organizations like the Black Student Union or the Latinx Student Union highlights diversity awareness and inclusion efforts.

Leadership Development Programs:

• EDGE Leadership (First-years): Builds leadership identity early; shows initiative to admissions teams.
• Presidential Leadership Fellows (Sophomores/Juniors): Indicates growth in leadership with a focus on equity and social justice.
• Black Leadership Summit & Latine Leadership Program: Cultural leadership + community engagement = stronger holistic profile.

Sports & Recreation Clubs: Participation in competitive teams or wellness initiatives signals team spirit, discipline, and balance.

While extracurriculars speak to how well-rounded you are, what you write, and what others say about you carry just as much weight. Let’s move to the next important factor: your personal essays and letters of recommendation.

Personal Essays & Letters of Recommendation

Personal statements and recommendation letters help NAU see the person behind the transcripts. Your Statement of Purpose (SOP) shares your motivation, goals, and academic journey. A strong Letter of Recommendation (LOR) supports your application by showcasing your potential through the eyes of someone who has worked closely with you.

Here’s how SOPs and LORs influence your NAU application:

Personal Statement (or SOP)

Your SOP outlines your academic background, interests, and long-term goals. It shows your commitment and how your aspirations align with NAU’s graduate programs.

Here’s what to include:

• Motivation: Mention what inspired you to pursue this field and program.
• Academic & Professional Highlights: Mention major projects, research, or roles that show your readiness.
• Career Goals: Link your short- and long-term goals with what NAU offers.
• Why NAU: Talk about specific program features, faculty, or research at NAU that align with your goals.

Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

NAU typically requires 3 to 5 LORs, depending on the program. These letters offer an external view of your academic capabilities and personal traits.

Tips for effective LORs:

• Select the right referees: Professors, researchers, or supervisors familiar with your work.
• Highlight your strengths: The letter should reflect your academic ability, initiative, and teamwork.
• Ask for specific examples: Real stories or contributions make your letter more impactful.

Now that you’ve covered the SOP and LOR requirements, you’re one step closer to preparing a standout application for Northern Arizona University.

Understanding these requirements is crucial for a successful application. Next, let's explore the application process at NAU.​

What are the Requirements for the Application Process at NAU?

Northern Arizona University (NAU) fosters a globally inclusive learning environment, attracting students from various backgrounds. 

International applicants are eligible for admission with a minimum 2.5 core GPA and no more than one deficiency in up to two required subject areas. These criteria help ensure incoming students are well-prepared for academic success at NAU.

Below are the admission requirements for international students applying to NAU:

Step	Details
Application Submission	Submit via the NAU website and pay a $40 (INR 3.4K) non-refundable fee
Academic Credentials	High school records + proof of English proficiency and transcripts
Standardized Tests	SAT ERW: 350, ACT English & Reading: 21
English Proficiency	Required if English is not your first language
Alternate Proficiency	Other approved tests/scores if you don't meet the thresholds
Visa Documentation	Provide Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 documents Includes bank statements, passport, and visa information

Meeting these requirements is essential for a successful application to NAU. Prospective international students must review all criteria thoroughly and prepare their applications accordingly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply to Northern Arizona University (NAU)

​Applying to Northern Arizona University (NAU) as an international student involves several key steps to ensure a smooth admission process. Applicants need to follow a particular process and satisfy all the criteria for successful submission. 

Below is a comprehensive step-by-step guide:​

Step 1: Explore Academic Programs

• Visit NAU’s Academic Programs page to identify your desired major or graduate program.
• Contact academic advisors or departmental offices for program-specific questions.

Step 2: Review Admission Requirements

• First-Year Students: Minimum 2.5+ GPA (unweighted), SAT/ACT scores (optional for Fall 2023–Spring 2025).
• Transfer Students: 12+ college credits with a 2.0+ GPA; fewer credits require high school transcripts.
• International Students: Proof of English proficiency, financial documentation.
• Graduate Students: Bachelor’s degree, program-specific requirements (e.g., letters of recommendation, résumé, statement of purpose).

3. Prepare Required Documents

• All Applicants: Official transcripts, test scores (if applicable), and application essay/personal statement.
• Graduate Applicants: Additional materials per program (e.g., letters of recommendation, GRE/GMAT).
• International Applicants: Passport copy, financial guarantee, and English proficiency scores.

4. Create an Application Account

• Undergraduate: Use NAU’s Application Portal or the Common Application.
• Graduate: Apply via NAU’s Graduate Admissions Portal.

5. Complete and Submit the Online Application

• Fill in personal, academic, and program details. Double-check for accuracy before submitting.

6. Pay the Application Fee

• Pay $40 (non-refundable).
• Fee waivers are available for eligible students (contact admissions).

7. Submit Official Documents and track application status

• Request official transcripts sent directly from your schools to NAU.
• Send test scores (SAT/ACT/TOEFL) via testing agencies.
• Log in to your application portal to confirm all materials have been received. Allow 2 weeks for processing.

Next, let’s see how to increase your chances of getting into NAU.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into NAU? Key Tips

Applicants must acquire SAT scores in the range 1030–4000 to increase their chances of consideration from NAU’s admission committee.​ Therefore, gaining admission to Northern Arizona University (NAU) requires a strategic approach to enhance your application. 

While NAU considers various factors in its admissions process, focusing on the following key areas can improve your chances:

• Maintain a strong core GPA: Aim for a 2.75 or higher unweighted GPA in the 14 required core courses such as English, math, lab science, social science, and fine arts. This is a first step towards guaranteed admission.
• Complete required coursework: Ensure you meet the Arizona Board of Regents coursework competencies, including four years of English and math, three years of lab science, and two years of social science. Avoid deficiencies, especially in math and lab science, as a combination of these can make you ineligible.
• Submit standardized test scores: ACT or SAT scores are necessary; submitting them can strengthen your application. NAU’s required SAT range is approximately 1030–4000, and the desired ACT score is 86.
• Apply early and complete all steps: Submit your application by August 1, pay the $40 fee, send official transcripts by the deadline (July 1 for fall), and complete the orientation modules to prepare for a smooth transition.
• Engage in extracurricular activities and leadership: NAU values a holistic review, including leadership and involvement. Actively participate in clubs, organizations, or leadership programs to enhance your profile.
• Consider Honors College and scholarships: Apply to the Honors College if you are eligible, and apply for scholarships through NAU's Foundation and Scholarship Universe to support your education.
• Build relationships for recommendations: For graduate programs, secure 3-5 strong letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals by developing early connections. 

Now that you have a clear picture of how to improve your application to NAU, you can confidently apply for admission in your desired academic program.