Northern Arizona University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
NAU admits most applicants, so your strategy should be to confirm fit and affordability rather than chase a perfect score. If you do submit scores, use the middle range as a practical benchmark: 1010-1280 SAT or 20-26 ACT.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Northern Arizona University facts and stats
Northern Arizona University enrolls about 22,991 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. NAU’s freshman retention rate is 75%, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. The university has a 6-year graduation rate of 61%, with a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Flagstaff, AZ
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Key Northern Arizona University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
April 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
NAU is test-optional, so follow this plan only if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores: take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year for a retake if needed. Because NAU’s Regular Decision deadline is August 1, fall retakes will be too late for that application, so a summer retake is the last practical chance to have scores ready.
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What you'll actually pay
NAU is a public university in the Big Sky Conference, with in-state tuition of $11,688 and out-of-state tuition of $28,560. About 42% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is April 1.
NAU’s out-of-state tuition is $28,560, compared with $11,688 for in-state tuition, plus $14,432 for room and board. Financial aid reaches 42% of students, with an average aid package of $16,041. Merit awards average $8,037, which can help reduce the billed cost. Graduates leave with average debt of $21,898.
Student life at Northern Arizona University
43% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 7% of men join fraternities, and 7% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Carrington College - Mesa
Mesa, AZAcceptance rate: 100%
Carrington College - Phoenix
Phoenix, AZAcceptance rate: 100%
Acceptance rate: 89.9%
Arizona State University at the West campus
Phoenix, AZSAT: 1050–1250
ACT: 19–25
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