Instructional Leadership, emphasis: K-12 School Leadership (MEd)
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Applying as a freshman student


Apply now as a first-year student and bring your future into view.

We’re excited to guide you through the application process so you can start your college experience on your schedule and be ready to succeed even before you step onto the NAU campus.

Frequently asked questions when applying to NAU

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Do I count as a freshman at NAU?

You’ll begin at NAU as a freshman student if:

  • you’ll graduate high school within one year, OR
  • you’ve earned fewer than 12 college credits since graduating from high school, OR
  • you’re dual-enrolled but have not yet graduated from high school.

Read about our other student categories if you don’t meet these requirements, or begin your application here if you fit into one of these criteria. NAU admission requirements are the same whether you apply to the main campus in Flagstaff or any of our statewide locations.

What are the admission requirements as a freshman at NAU?

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You will be offered admission to NAU if you have a 2.75 or higher core GPA (based on a 4.0 scale) calculated using the 14 required core courses:

  • four years of high school English
  • four years of high school math
  • three years of high school lab science
  • two years of high school social science
  • one year of high school fine arts/Career and Technical Education (CTE)

What is the NAU application fee?

When you apply, you’ll submit a $40 non-refundable application fee alongside your application and other documents.

Which NAU address will I send my transcripts to?

While applying to NAU, you’ll only need to submit unofficial transcripts. After you’ve been admitted and you’ve accepted your offer, you will send your official transcripts to Northern Arizona University Admissions, PO Box 4084, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. For more information, learn more about next steps to freshmen enrollment.

I’m not a freshman at NAU—what’s next for me?

If you don’t fit into one of the criteria to be considered a freshman student but are planning your first year as an NAU student, you will apply under a different category:

Transfer student

Apply as a transfer student if you are a high school graduate with 12 or more transferable college credits.

Returning student

Apply as a returning student if you are a former degree-seeking NAU student who has not attended for at least three consecutive terms (excluding summer and winter terms).

Concurrent student

Apply as a concurrent student if you are a current high school student who wants to simultaneously attend NAU classes on the Flagstaff campus.

Post-baccalaureate student

Apply as a post-baccalaureate student if you are a previous bachelor’s degree recipient who wants to earn an undergraduate certificate or additional bachelor’s degree.

Important dates and deadlines


Meet the important deadlines that ensure you are ready to start classes when the next term begins.

Learn more

New student application resources

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What you’ll need to apply

Already applied to NAU?

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Continue preparing for your first year after completing your application.

Resources for high school counselors

We know you want to help your students prepare for higher education. Find valuable information about the NAU application process so you can equip them for success.