Lana Oconnell
Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a public research university located in Flagstaff, Arizona. Founded in 1899, it offers over 100 degrees, including online programs, through seven undergraduate colleges. The university is a hub for innovation, with eight centres and institutes dedicated to disciplines such as Indigenous health and ecological restoration. NAU's size has been described as just right, fostering a sense of community and allowing students to get to know one another. The university is known for its supportive administration, offering resources such as free tutoring and counselling services. With a focus on academics and research, NAU provides a well-rounded experience for students seeking a tight-knit community in a scenic location.
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What You'll Learn
Students seeking a small-town university experience
Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a public research university based in Flagstaff, Arizona. Flagstaff is a small city with a population of around 7,000 at a 6,950-foot elevation. It has a small-town feel, with a strong sense of local and independent businesses in the downtown area. The city is surrounded by mountains and is known for its outdoor activities, including mountain biking, skiing, rock climbing, and camping.
NAU is ranked among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity". The university offers about 130 undergraduate and graduate programs, various academic certificates, and intramural sports opportunities. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #244. Its in-state tuition and fees are $13,008, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $29,880.
The university has a strong focus on research and is divided into seven academic colleges. The W.A. Franke College of Business, for example, offers two Bachelor of Science degrees in Hotel and Restaurant Management and Interdisciplinary Studies in Hospitality Management, along with six hospitality certifications. The program is ranked #1 in Arizona and 22nd in the United States.
NAU's small-town setting in Flagstaff provides a unique experience for students seeking a tight-knit community feel while still offering a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. The university's campus is located in the heart of Flagstaff, with easy access to the city's amenities and natural attractions.
The city of Flagstaff has a strong tourism sector due to its proximity to Grand Canyon National Park, Oak Creek Canyon, the Arizona Snowbowl, Meteor Crater, and Historic Route 66. The university's location provides students with a diverse range of cultural and recreational experiences, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a well-rounded small-town university experience.
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Those interested in research-intensive education
Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a public research university in Flagstaff, Arizona. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as research opportunities, for students interested in pursuing a research-intensive education.
Research Opportunities
Undergraduate and graduate students at NAU can engage in research across various fields, including the arts, astronomy, business, Earth sciences, education, engineering, forestry, health sciences, history, informatics, literature, mathematics, and psychology. NAU's research facilities include the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, which offers a PhD program in Informatics and Computing. This program prepares students for leadership roles in industry, academia, and entrepreneurship, with a strong focus on computer programming and data analysis.
Academic Programs
NAU offers a diverse range of academic programs that cater to students seeking a research-intensive education. The university is classified as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution, offering about 130 undergraduate and graduate programs and various academic certificates.
One notable research-intensive degree is the doctoral program in Mechanical Engineering, which allows students to work closely with faculty experts in the field. Students can specialize in areas such as adaptive systems, intelligent structures, nano-heat transfer, robotics, and computational fluid mechanics. This degree equips graduates with advanced technical and analytical skills, enhancing their career prospects or preparing them for further academic research.
In addition, NAU's W.A. Franke College of Business houses the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM), offering Bachelor of Science degrees and hospitality certifications. The Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research ranked this program as the top hospitality program in Arizona and 22nd in the United States.
Faculty Expertise
NAU boasts a distinguished faculty who actively engage in research and contribute to their respective fields. For instance, NAU professor Yuly Asenciòn-Delaney develops speaking activities using AI chatbots to enhance students' conversational Spanish skills. Additionally, associate professors Laura Noll and Robert Wickham received substantial grants to address Arizona's homelessness crisis, reflecting their expertise in psychological sciences.
Student Achievements
NAU students have achieved notable success, with three recipients of the prestigious Udall Scholarship for Native American Initiatives in 2024, the highest count among US colleges and universities. The university's alumni network includes distinguished individuals such as two Governors of Arizona, a US Senator, a US Representative, two US Ambassadors, a Medal of Honor recipient, and 16 Olympians.
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Students seeking a wide variety of extracurricular activities
Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a public research university in Flagstaff, Arizona. It was founded in 1899 and has a current undergraduate enrollment of 23,134 students. The campus size is 883 acres, and the university is divided into seven academic colleges offering about 130 undergraduate and graduate programs.
NAU offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities for students seeking to be involved outside of their academic pursuits. The university has over 30 competitive and recreational intramural opportunities in individual and team sports, with more than 40 sports clubs to choose from. These clubs are classified as either competitive or recreational/instructional, and include baseball, rugby, soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse, Quidditch, disc golf, kendo, mixed martial arts, and water polo. The club tennis team competes in the national USTA Tennis on Campus league and won the national Spring Invitational in 2017.
The Northern Arizona University Lumberjack Marching Band, supported by the Kitt School of Music, performs at all home football games and select away games, as well as other athletic events. The band was invited to perform in the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Unions and Student Activities offer many services and events for the campus community, such as movies and the popular Friday night AfterHours program produced by Sun Entertainment. NAU also has an Honors program that is open to students of all majors and offers coursework and research opportunities.
The W.A. Franke College of Business operates the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM), offering two Bachelor of Science degrees and six hospitality certifications. The school features a high-tech demonstration kitchen, mock lobbies, conference rooms, and cafés.
NAU's astronomy faculty has made significant contributions to the field, including leading observations for the NASA DART planetary defense mission and co-discovering astronomical bodies such as Eris and Sedna. The university is also actively involved in the search for the hypothetical Planet Nine.
The university values a holistic admissions approach, considering factors beyond GPA and SAT scores, such as extracurricular activities, personal statements, letters of recommendation, leadership qualities, and community involvement. This ensures that NAU selects well-rounded individuals who excel academically and contribute meaningfully to the campus community.
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Those looking for a semester-based academic calendar
If you're a student looking for a semester-based academic calendar, Northern Arizona University (NAU) could be the place for you. NAU is a public research university based in Flagstaff, Arizona, offering about 130 undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is divided into seven academic colleges, and as of Fall 2023, it had an enrollment of 28,194 students, with 23,134 of those being undergraduates.
NAU has a rich history, initially opening its doors in 1899 as the Northern Arizona Normal School with just 23 students. Today, it is one of three universities governed by the Arizona Board of Regents and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. NAU is ranked highly in research, coming in at #192 in the National Science Foundation's national research rankings for the fiscal year 2023.
The university offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities to suit your needs. The W.A. Franke College of Business, for example, houses the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, which offers two Bachelor of Science degrees and six hospitality certifications. The school is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a high-tech demonstration kitchen, mock lobbies, conference rooms, and cafés. If you're interested in hospitality management, you'll be glad to know that NAU's program is ranked #1 in Arizona and 22nd in the United States.
NAU also boasts a strong athletics program, with the NAU Lumberjacks competing in the NCAA Division I as part of the Big Sky Conference. The university offers over 30 competitive and recreational intramural sports opportunities and more than 40 sports clubs, ensuring that you can stay active and pursue your athletic passions. The university's athletic facilities are also utilised by Olympic and professional athletes worldwide for high-altitude training.
The university's alumni network is impressive, with notable figures including two Governors of Arizona, one U.S. Senator, one U.S. Representative, two U.S. Ambassadors, a Medal of Honor recipient, and 16 Olympians. The NAU Alumni Association represents a vast network of over 160,000 alumni, providing you with potential connections and mentorship opportunities.
With its semester-based academic calendar, diverse program offerings, and extensive extracurricular activities, Northern Arizona University could be an excellent choice for students seeking a well-rounded and academically challenging experience.
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Students interested in hospitality management
Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a public research university based in Flagstaff, Arizona. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including hospitality management.
The School of Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) in the W. A. Franke College of Business offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Hospitality Management. The HRM program provides students with skills such as flexibility, adaptability, and resiliency, which are highly valued by future employers. The program also includes in-house workshops, networking events, and extracurricular activities such as Casino Night and a Golf Tournament, which help students connect with employers and raise funds for scholarships.
The hospitality management curriculum at NAU includes a mix of hospitality administration core courses, business requirements, and elective courses. Students are required to obtain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete a minimum of 120 units. The hospitality administration core courses cover various topics, including HA 100, HA 210, HA 240, HA 250, and more. The business requirements include courses such as MGT 303. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program, where they can take courses that apply toward their hospitality administration core and liberal studies requirements.
The Arizona Hospitality Research and Resource Center serves as a valuable resource for students, providing industry-specific research and services. Furthermore, the Marion W. Isbell Endowment for Hospitality Ethics encourages applied research in hospitality ethics and management and promotes awareness and resolution of ethical issues within the hospitality industry.
Overall, the hospitality management program at Northern Arizona University offers a comprehensive curriculum, practical experiences, and industry connections to prepare students for successful careers in the hospitality sector.
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Frequently asked questions
Northern Arizona University is a public research university with a total undergraduate enrollment of 23,134 as of Fall 2023. The university is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity". Students who are interested in research and innovation are typically a good fit for the university.
Northern Arizona University is a small-town university with a campus size of 883 acres. The university is best suited for students who are looking for a small-town university experience. The university is also a good fit for students who are interested in outdoor activities such as rafting and hiking.
Northern Arizona University may not be the best fit for students who are looking for a large university experience. The university is also not suited for students who are looking for a vibrant party scene as the town of Flagstaff can get quite boring during the winters.
Northern Arizona University is chosen by students who want to get out of Phoenix or Tuscon and want to go out of town for their education.
