Northern Arizona University

Non-profit
Public
Regional
One of the best online universities in Arizona, Northern Arizona University offers online programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Unlike other online institutions on this ranking, NAU offers coursework in both a traditional semester format and a competency-based learning structure. The latter requires students to choose a unique start date and pay a flat subscription rate. This can benefit degree-seekers who want to apply outside education -- such as military training -- toward their degree. Online learners at NAU use Blackboard virtual learning software to communicate with professors and peers, and the university's online library and tutoring resources provide the same excellent services that on-campus students receive. The university also boasts 24/7 IT support. Additionally, online degree-seekers can visit a local NAU campus to use any campus services they need. NAU accepts both high school transcripts and GED scores. All online students pay the same per-credit tuition rate and fees. Freshmen, transfer, and graduate learners may qualify for merit-based scholarships or need-based grants.
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Admissions Breakdown
Acceptance Rate Insight
85% of students were accepted during the 2020-2021 school year. Sometimes schools with midrange acceptance rates have higher standards of entry but are still accessible to many students who apply.
Retention Rate Insight
85% of full-time students stayed to continue their studies the following academic year. These students started in Fall 2019 and returned in Fall 2020.
Graduation Rate Insight
65% of students graduated out of all full-time, first-time students who began their studies in Fall 2014. Keep in mind many students who enroll are not typically first-time students, as most are adult learners. Therefore, the number of first-time students is traditionally low.
Application Considerations
Test scores:
Considered (not required)
High school transcript:
Required
High school rank:
Considered (not required)
Letter of recommendation:
Considered (not required)
High school GPA:
Required
Open admission:
No
Completion of college prep program:
Recommended
Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL):
Considered (not required)
Transfer Credit Policy
Dual enrollment: Yes
Advance placement (AP) credits: Yes
Credit for qualified life experience*: Yes
Learning Environment
46k
Students enrolledOnline student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio
56%
Online student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio
15:1
Student to faculty ratio
Degrees Awarded by Program
Degrees given for the 2020-2021 academic year.
#
Programs
BA
MA
Doc
1
Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science And Related Fields
2
Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, And Related Sciences
3
Architecture And Related Services
4
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, And Gender Studies
5
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, And Group Studies
6
Biological And Biomedical Sciences
7
Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services
8
Communication, Journalism, And Related Programs
9
Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services
10
Education
11
Engineering Technologies/Technicians
12
Engineering
13
Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians
14
English Language And Literature/Letters
15
Family And Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences
16
Foreign Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
17
Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences
18
Health Professions And Related Programs
19
History
20
History
21
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting And Related Protective Services
22
Legal Professions And Studies
23
Liberal Arts And Sciences, General Studies And Humanities
24
Library Science
25
Mathematics And Statistics
26
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
27
Natural Resources And Conservation
28
Philosophy And Religious Studies
29
Physical Sciences
30
Psychology
31
Public Administration And Social Service Professions
32
Science Technologies/Technicians
33
Security And Protective Services
34
Social Sciences
35
Visual And Performing Arts