Northern Arizona University

Non-profit public

Public

Private

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.

Visit Site

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):

Transfer Credit Policy

Dual enrollment: Yes

Advance placement (AP) credits: Yes

Credit for qualified life experience*:

ⓘ *This can include previous jobs, trainings, licenses/credentials, or seminars. You may need to complete an exam or provide a portfolio to earn credit.

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	✔	✔	✔