Price adjusted for fall 2027 eligible students Save thousands with NAU's Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) tuition discount
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) helps eligible students from 14 Western states and US territories attend NAU’s Flagstaff campus at a significantly reduced price, with no extra application required.
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350+ student clubs and orgs
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) helps students from 14 Western states and eligible territories attend NAU at a reduced price. If you’re eligible, your tuition is $16,000 starting in the 2027-2028 academic year, no extra application required! That means you get a high-value education and the experience of living and learning in one of the most stunning college towns in the country: Flagstaff, Arizona.
At NAU, WUE is about making college possible.
How much could I save?
WUE allows participating universities to charge up to 150% of resident tuition, and most schools stop there. At NAU, we chose to go lower, saving WUE students $2,000 more each year.
Eligible first-year students get NAU’s WUE tuition rate, plus an additional guaranteed tuition scholarship. When you file your FAFSA, you may get even more. We’re going the extra mile to make college attainable for out-of-state students.
See how it all adds up:
| Tuition scholarship | GPA (unweighted H.S. core*) | Annual amount | Four-year savings |
| Summit | 3.75—4.0 | $6,500 | $26,000 |
| Peak | 3.5—3.74 | $6,000 | $24,000 |
| Ascent | 3.0—3.49 | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Trailhead | Admitted—2.99 | $2,500 | $10,000 |
*For more information on how the High School Core GPA is calculated, please review the admissions requirements.
A condition of your four-year merit tuition scholarship is an NAU Campus Living experience your first year. This includes NAU-managed housing and a meal plan.
Want help with estimating your costs? Use our net price calculator to find out what WUE means for your budget.
Am I eligible?
If you live in one of the 14 Western states or an eligible US territory, you’re in! WUE eligibility is based on your permanent residence, not your intended major or GPA.
Basic eligibility
- Permanent residence in a participating Western state or an eligible US territory
- Undergraduate student
- Attend classes at NAU’s Flagstaff campus
Please note: WUE is not available for online programs or students admitted to NAU’s Desert Campuses.
Eligible states
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
Eligible territories
- American Samoa
- Guam
- Northern Marina Islands
How does WUE work at NAU?
There’s no separate WUE application. If you’re eligible and admitted to Flagstaff as an undergraduate, the reduced rate is applied automatically.
- Apply to NAU’s Flagstaff campus– no extra WUE form required.
- Qualify by residence in a participating state or territory
- Savings applied automatically– pay only $16,000 per year in tuition plus an additional automatic tuition scholarship
From students and families like yours
"Throughout my education at NAU I was provided with countless hands-on opportunities that helped me transition into the workforce seamlessly and with confidence."
"Visiting campus, understanding scholarships and working with the NAU staff who answered our questions on cost helped us make NAU a reality for our son."
"Our updated out-of-state tuition model makes NAU more affordable and accessible, ensuring geographic boundaries never stand between you and your future."
Frequently asked questions
Learn how WUE can help you!
Is NAU a WUE school? What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) rate?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) rate at NAU is $16,000 starting in the 2027-2028 academic year, offering reduced tuition for eligible undergraduate students across the West.
WUE allows participating universities to charge up to 150% of resident tuition. At NAU, we chose to go lower—saving students $2,000 more each year.
How do I find out exactly how this will affect me?
Your total cost depends on your residency, GPA, and financial aid. Review your financial aid offer, use NAU’s Net Price Calculator, or connect with our team for a personalized estimate.
Why did NAU make a change to tuition?
College pricing has become increasingly complex, and NAU has been working to make costs easier to understand. By simplifying tuition, we’re helping students and families better anticipate what they’ll pay and feel confident moving forward.
Who can I contact with additional questions?
New incoming students can contact NAU Admissions. Current, continuing NAU students may contact Financial Aid for personalized support. We are here to help you understand your options and next steps.
I am currently a student; will I still receive my scholarship?
Current students will continue to receive the tuition benefit they were offered, provided they remain eligible. Because tuition rates are being reduced, tuition scholarships may be adjusted or, in some cases, removed from a student's financial aid offer. This does not mean you will pay more for tuition. The same tuition benefit is simply being delivered through a lower tuition rate rather than through a separate scholarship award.
How does the new tuition affect outside scholarships?
It does not. Outside scholarships can still be applied to your account up to your total cost of attendance and combined with NAU financial aid.
Do these tuition changes apply to online undergraduate students?
No. Online and Desert Campus programs have separate tuition structures and are not included.
What's not changing (and still true for NAU)
Academic quality
Student experience
FAFSA-based aid eligibility
Student employment opportunities
College & program accreditation
