On-Campus Living At Northern Arizona University: How Many Students?

Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a public research university based in Flagstaff, Arizona. Founded in 1899, it is one of three universities governed by the Arizona Board of Regents. As of Fall 2023, NAU had a total enrollment of 28,194 students, with 23,134 undergraduate students and 5,060 graduate students. Of these, 44% live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing, while 56% live off campus. NAU offers a range of housing options, including apartments for single and married students, special housing for disabled and international students, and other housing options. The university is divided into seven academic colleges and offers over 130 undergraduate and graduate programs, providing a diverse range of academic opportunities for its students, whether they live on or off campus.

44% of students live in college-owned housing

Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a public research university based in Flagstaff, Arizona, founded in 1899. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 23,134, with a gender distribution of 36.5% male students and 63.5% female students. Notably, 44% of NAU students live in college-owned housing, while 56% live off campus. This makes NAU unique when compared to other universities, as on-campus living is a significant aspect of the student experience.

The demand for on-campus housing at NAU can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, the university offers a wide range of housing options, catering to different student needs and preferences. These options include apartments for single students, married students, disabled students, and international students. Additionally, the university prioritises sustainability initiatives, with campus-wide programs and resources that encourage the entire university community to get involved in environmental efforts. This may be appealing to students who value eco-friendly practices and want to contribute to sustainability during their time at university.

Furthermore, NAU's location in Flagstaff, Arizona, may be a factor in the high percentage of students choosing to live on campus. The university is set at a high elevation of 6,950 feet above sea level and is surrounded by a vast ponderosa pine forest. The area experiences a four-season climate, with Flagstaff averaging 90.1 inches of snow per year. This unique and desirable location may attract students who wish to immerse themselves in the campus environment and take advantage of the natural surroundings.

The high percentage of students living in college-owned housing also reflects the sense of community and engagement that NAU fosters. The university offers over 335 recognised professional, academic, service, and social organisations, as well as intramural sports programs and active residence hall organisations. This rich offering of extracurricular activities provides students with numerous opportunities to connect with their peers and get involved in campus life. Living on campus facilitates easier access to these activities and enhances the sense of belonging within the NAU community.

Lastly, the convenience and accessibility of on-campus housing cannot be understated. Students living in college-owned housing benefit from reduced commute times to classes, libraries, dining halls, and other university facilities. This can be especially advantageous for students with busy schedules, allowing them to optimise their time and fully immerse themselves in the academic and extracurricular opportunities that NAU provides.

56% live off-campus

As of Fall 2023, Northern Arizona University (NAU) had a total undergraduate enrollment of 23,134 students, 56% of whom live off-campus. This means that over half of NAU's undergraduate students choose to live off-campus, rather than in college-owned or -affiliated housing.

There are several reasons why students might choose to live off-campus. One factor could be the cost of on-campus housing. The average yearly cost of room and board at NAU was $11,126 in 2022, and while the cost increased by 2.3% between 2021 and 2022, it still may be more affordable for students to find off-campus accommodations. Additionally, students may prefer off-campus housing due to the freedom and independence it offers, as well as the opportunity to live with friends or experience the local community more fully.

NAU offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including apartments for single students, married students, disabled students, and international students. There are also other housing options available, such as suites and townhomes. The university prioritizes sustainability initiatives, and all new construction must meet strict LEED standards. However, despite these efforts and the amenities provided, a significant portion of the student body still chooses to live off-campus.

It is worth noting that NAU has a large student body, with a total enrollment of 28,194 students in Fall 2023. Of these, 21,550 students were enrolled at the Flagstaff campus, which spans 829 forested acres and houses academic, administrative, and residential buildings. With such a large number of students, it is understandable that not all of them can be accommodated on campus, and off-campus housing provides a viable alternative.

In conclusion, while NAU offers a range of on-campus housing options and is committed to sustainability, 56% of its undergraduate students choose to live off-campus. This could be due to factors such as cost, a preference for independence, or the simple logistics of accommodating such a large student body.

Housing options include apartments for single and married students

Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers a range of housing options for its diverse student population, including single and married students, with 44% of students living in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing. The university recognises the importance of catering to different needs, with options available for students from fraternities and sororities, international students, and families.

Single students seeking an apartment lifestyle can find a suitable home at NAU. The university offers apartment-style housing, which is open to all students, regardless of their year of study. This style of living provides a level of independence while still offering the convenience and community of on-campus life. With easy access to classes, dining, recreation, and support services, single students can enjoy a well-rounded college experience.

For married students, NAU provides dedicated apartments to accommodate their unique needs. These apartments offer a comfortable and cost-effective solution, with rental rates inclusive of all utilities, internet, and laundry facilities. Married students can benefit from the convenience of on-campus living while also enjoying the privacy and independence that comes with apartment living.

In addition to the standard housing options, NAU also provides specialised facilities for international students and students with disabilities. International students can take advantage of dedicated housing options, fostering a sense of community and support among peers facing similar challenges. Similarly, students with disabilities have access to special housing accommodations to ensure their specific needs are met and their college experience is as seamless as possible.

The university's campus living communities (CLCs) provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students, creating a sense of belonging and fostering lifelong friendships. With easy access to resources and a wide range of opportunities, students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. NAU's vibrant and inclusive community ensures that students from all backgrounds can find their place and feel at home.

There are 26 residential buildings on campus

Northern Arizona University (NAU) has 26 residential buildings on its campus, which is set across 829 forested acres. NAU is a public research university based in Flagstaff, Arizona, and was founded in 1899. The campus houses academic, administrative, and residential buildings.

The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 23,134, with a gender distribution of 36.5% male students and 63.5% female students. 44% of students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 56% live off campus. There are various types of campus housing available, including apartments for single students (18%), apartments for married students, other housing options (11%), special housing for disabled students (2%), and special housing for international students (3%).

The campus offers a wide range of facilities and resources for students, including academic, athletic, and recreational opportunities. The university is divided into seven academic colleges, offering about 130 undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as various academic certificates. Students can take classes and conduct research in Flagstaff, online, and at more than 20 statewide locations, including the Phoenix Biomedical Core research campus.

In addition to the residential buildings, the NAU campus also features 44 major academic and administrative buildings and 55 support facilities. The campus prioritizes sustainability initiatives, with campus-wide programs and resources that encourage the university community to get involved in sustainability efforts. There are over a dozen LEED-certified buildings on campus, and new construction must meet strict LEED standards.

The university's first-year residence halls include Allen Hall, Campbell Hall, Cowden Hall, Honors College, McConnell Hall, Morton Hall, Reilly Hall, Sechrist Hall, Taylor Hall, Tinsley Hall, and Wilson Hall. Upper-division housing options are also available for sophomores, juniors, and seniors, offering suite-style and apartment living.

Students can also live in partner housing by American Campus Communities

Northern Arizona University (NAU) ranks in the top 1% nationally for on-campus housing capacity, with nearly 10,300 students living on campus. Students can also live in partner housing by American Campus Communities (ACC).

ACC provides a range of housing options near the NAU campus, including The Jack, The Suites, Hilltop Townhomes, and SkyView. These communities offer various amenities and benefits to enhance students' college experience and provide a supportive academic environment.

The Jack is an off-campus student housing community offering fully furnished private apartments. It features a 24-hour fitness centre, yoga and cycling studios, and a recreation centre. The Suites, located on the NAU campus, offer private and shared bedroom and bathroom floor plans, as well as community events to keep residents connected. Hilltop Townhomes provide unique townhome floor plans, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and a fully-loaded recreation centre with billiards, foosball, and arcade games. SkyView is an on-campus housing community with fully furnished apartments, private bedrooms, and amenities for health, fitness, and socialisation.

All ACC communities offer enhanced-privacy floor plans, academic success centres with study lounges, free printing, and internet connectivity. They also provide professional on-site management, 24/7 on-call staff, individual liability leases, and roommate matching services. ACC is committed to creating academically oriented student communities that foster success both in school and in life.

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