Exploring Enrollment: Northern Arizona University's Student Population

how many students are at northern arizona university

Northern Arizona University, initially named the Northern Arizona Normal School, opened its doors on September 11, 1899, with 23 students. Since then, the university has grown significantly, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 23,134 students in the fall of 2023. The gender distribution among the students is 36.5% male and 63.5% female, with a significant portion (44%) opting to live in college-owned or affiliated housing. The university offers a range of extracurricular activities, with over 40 sports clubs and more than 30 intramural opportunities, catering to a diverse range of interests. NAU's Flagstaff campus, situated at an elevation of 6,950 feet, has also attracted Olympic and professional athletes for high-altitude training. The university's academic and research endeavours are equally impressive, with the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute leading the way in tracking and fighting deadly diseases.

Characteristics Values
Total undergraduate enrollment 23,134 (Fall 2023)
Gender distribution 36.5% male and 63.5% female
Housing 44% on-campus and 56% off-campus
Student retention 75% retained after the first year
Student graduation 60% earn their degree within six years
First-generation college students 42% of new freshmen and transfer students, 40% of all undergraduates
International student enrollment 4% increase in new and continuing students
Graduate enrollment 3.4% increase in total new and continuing students
Number of faculty and staff More than 100
Number of degrees offered 2 Bachelor of Science degrees, 6 hospitality certifications

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Northern Arizona University's undergraduate enrollment is 23,134

Northern Arizona University (NAU) has a large and diverse student body. As of Fall 2023, the university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 23,134 students, with a gender distribution of 36.5% male and 63.5% female. This diverse group of students is engaged in a variety of academic and extracurricular pursuits.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across different disciplines. The W.A. Franke College of Business, for example, offers a School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, providing students with the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management or Interdisciplinary Studies in Hospitality Management. The academic enrichment program at NAU is also open to students of all majors, offering coursework, research opportunities, and programs designed to enhance the undergraduate experience.

Student life at Northern Arizona University extends beyond the classroom, with numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic teams available for students to join. The university offers more than 30 competitive and recreational intramural opportunities in individual and team sports, as well as over 40 sports clubs, including baseball, rugby, soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse, and Quidditch. The NAU Lumberjacks compete in the NCAA Division I as part of the Big Sky Conference and have achieved success in several sports, including national championships in cross-country running.

The university also has a strong focus on research and scholarship. The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute conducts research to track and combat deadly diseases, including COVID-19. NAU's astronomy faculty has made significant contributions to the field, leading observations for the NASA DART planetary defense mission and co-discovering astronomical bodies such as Eris and Sedna. The university's commitment to academic excellence and student success is evident in its strong retention and graduation rates, with more than three out of four students retained after their first year and the highest six-year graduation rates since the 1990s.

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The gender distribution is 36.5% male and 63.5% female

Northern Arizona University (NAU) has a large and diverse student population. In the fall of 2023, the university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 23,134 students, with a notable gender distribution of 36.5% male and 63.5% female. This uneven split, with a higher proportion of female students, is an interesting aspect of the university's demographics.

The gender distribution at NAU is a significant aspect of the university's overall student composition. With a higher percentage of female students, the campus community is likely to have a unique dynamic. This distribution may influence various aspects of campus life, from social interactions and club activities to the representation and participation rates in different academic programs.

The male students at NAU, accounting for around a third of the undergraduate population, contribute to the diverse fabric of the university. Their presence and participation in academic and extracurricular activities add to the richness of the campus environment. The male students bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and aspirations to the community, shaping the overall student culture.

On the other hand, the female students represent a substantial majority at NAU, comprising 63.5% of the undergraduate enrollment. This significant proportion of female students underscores the university's commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for women pursuing higher education. The female students at NAU are likely to have a strong presence and impact across various domains, from academics and research to leadership roles and social initiatives.

The gender distribution at NAU also reflects broader trends and changes in higher education. The increasing enrollment and participation of women in universities across various fields and disciplines is a positive development, contributing to greater gender equality and diversity in higher education. NAU's gender distribution is a testament to the university's ability to attract and support a diverse student body, fostering an inclusive and enriching learning environment.

While the gender distribution provides a snapshot of the student population, it is essential to recognize that each student brings their unique identity, experiences, and aspirations to the community. NAU's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its efforts to serve first-generation college students and its increasing international student enrollment, enhancing the overall student experience and outcomes.

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44% of students live in college-owned housing

Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers a vibrant campus life, with a range of housing options for its students. The university ranks in the top 1% nationally for on-campus housing capacity, catering to nearly 10,300 students living on campus. This accounts for approximately 44% of the student population, providing a safe and welcoming community for residents.

The university's housing options include traditional, suite-style, and apartment-style accommodations, catering to diverse student preferences. Freshmen, upperclassmen, transfer students, and graduate students are all eligible to live on campus. Additionally, dedicated facilities are available for specific groups, such as sororities and fraternities, international students, families, and students in the Honors College. NAU also accommodates those seeking mixed-gender or gender-inclusive living spaces.

Living on campus at NAU offers numerous advantages. Residents enjoy convenient access to classes, dining, recreation, support services, and a wide range of clubs and organizations. The campus shuttle service, trackable via the NAUgo app, makes getting around even easier. Residence halls are equipped with safety measures, including locked exterior doors that can only be accessed by residents using their JacksCard. The NAU Police Department provides additional security with 24/7 on-duty personnel.

On-campus housing at NAU fosters a sense of community and provides a great opportunity for students to connect and form lifelong friendships. Traditions like the "Letters" event for incoming freshmen further enhance the sense of belonging and create memorable experiences. With easy access to resources and a supportive environment, living on campus offers a well-rounded experience that contributes to students' academic, emotional, social, and physical growth.

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Almost 28,000 students started in Fall 2024

Northern Arizona University (NAU) welcomed almost 28,000 students for the Fall 2024 semester, marking the start of its 125th year. This cohort is NAU's most diverse entering class in its history, reflecting the university's commitment to access and attainment. The university's Flagstaff mountain campus attracts students from all backgrounds and walks of life, both nationally and internationally.

The university's efforts to increase access and attainment have resulted in notable enrolment increases. For instance, NAU-Yuma and NAU-North Valley witnessed a 25% increase in new and continuing student enrolment. Additionally, international student enrolment increased by 4%, and new U.S. graduate enrolment rose by 4.8%.

NAU's retention and graduation rates have also improved significantly. The university now retains more than three out of four students after their first year, and more than three out of five students earn their degrees within six years. This improvement is a testament to NAU's emphasis on student success, with the university offering a 100% career-ready experience to power graduates' post-college success.

The Fall 2024 semester at NAU demonstrates the university's ongoing commitment to expanding access, driving student success, and preparing a diverse range of students for impactful careers and meaningful lives. With a strong foundation of academic excellence and a focus on retention and graduation, NAU continues to shape the educational landscape in Arizona and beyond.

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NAU has a strong focus on student retention

Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a public research university in Flagstaff, Arizona. As of Fall 2023, 28,194 students were enrolled, with 21,550 at the Flagstaff campus. NAU has a strong focus on student retention, with a freshmen retention rate of 76%, above the national average of 70.57%. The university offers a wide range of programs and opportunities to keep students engaged and on track with their studies.

NAU's academic programs are diverse, with seven academic colleges offering about 130 undergraduate and graduate programs and various academic certificates. The university is also home to the W.A. Franke College of Business, which houses the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, offering two Bachelor of Science degrees and six hospitality certifications. The university's academic enrichment program is open to students of all majors and enhances the undergraduate experience through coursework and research opportunities.

The university also has a strong focus on athletics, with more than 30 intramural and recreational opportunities in individual and team sports. The NAU Lumberjacks compete in the NCAA Division I and have won several national championships in cross-country running. The university's athletic facilities are used by Olympic and professional athletes for high-altitude training.

NAU also has a robust research program, with the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute conducting research to track and fight deadly diseases, including COVID-19. The university is a primary institution of the local Lowell Observatory and played a significant role in the NASA DART planetary defense mission.

The university has established goals and strategies to improve student retention and graduation rates, working with the Arizona Board of Regents to address common obstacles students face. NAU's efforts to enhance the student experience and provide academic and extracurricular opportunities contribute to its strong focus on student retention.

Frequently asked questions

Northern Arizona University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 23,134 students as of Fall 2023.

36.5% of the students at Northern Arizona University are male, and 63.5% are female.

44% of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 56% live off-campus.

More than three out of four students are retained after their first year at Northern Arizona University.

On the first day of the Fall 2024 semester, almost 28,000 students started classes, making it the most diverse entering class in the university's history.

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