New for Fall 2027 Non-Resident Students Out-of-state tuition, cut nearly in half
Northern Arizona University’s Flagstaff Advantage Rate (FAR) drops non-resident tuition from $30,000 to $16,000 a year. First-year students receive an automatic merit tuition scholarship of up to $6,500. This is one of the clearest deals for a high-quality degree in out-of-state education.
NAU at a glance
Top 10 best college towns in the nation
R1 research institution
350+ student clubs and orgs
How FAR adds up
50% less than the other in-state Arizona universities
40-60% lower than many other comparable out-of-state universities (including UC schools)
An automatic guaranteed tuition scholarship
When you apply to NAU, you’re guaranteed a first-year merit tuition scholarship – no extra steps needed.
| Scholarship | GPA (core) | 2027-28 award | 4-year savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summit | 3.75—4.00 | $6,500 | $26,000 |
| Peak | 3.50—3.74 | $6,000 | $24,000 |
| Ascent | 3.00—3.49 | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Trailhead | Admitted—2.99 | $2,500 | $10,000 |
Tuition is set annually by the Arizona Board of Regents. Housing, meals, books, and personal expenses are not included.
Transfer scholarships are available for eligible non-resident students.
Am I eligible?
Find out if FAR is right for you.
Basic eligiblity
- Non-resident of Arizona
- Undergraduate student
- Attend NAU's Flagstaff campus
Are you a resident of a Western state or U.S. territory?
You may qualify for NAU's Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program. Explore WUE to learn about its eligibility requirements and tuition savings.
Simple, transparent tuition pricing, with a view
Why pay $35,000–$60,000 a year, with complex tuition pricing and fees when you can earn a valuable degree from an R1 university, study with world-class faculty who know your name, meet life-long friends, all while living in one of the country's best college towns, for $16,000 a year in tuition?
Not just a lower price, a clear value
Here's the whole story, not just the sticker price.
College pricing got confusing, and NAU is 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 choosing NAU.
The numbers: $16,000.
That’s the cost of education – set upfront, before any scholarship is applied. Every eligible student is automatically considered for an additional guaranteed first-year merit tuition scholarship ($2,500—$6,500) from the moment they apply. No essay and no second portal.
Beginning fall 2027, all students receiving merit tuition scholarships must live on campus and have a meal plan during their first year at NAU. Students who live on campus consistently see higher GPAs, stronger retention, and an easier transition to going out-of-state.
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 more about the benefits of FAR!
What is NAU’s Flagstaff Advantage Rate (FAR) for out-of-state students?
The Flagstaff Advantage Rate tuition is now $16,000. This means a 47% reduction in tuition for eligible FAR students outside of Arizona, creating a more accessible pathway to NAU.
How much is out-of-state tuition at NAU?
Beginning in fall 2027, non-resident undergraduate tuition at NAU will be $16,000 for the 2027-2028 academic year.
Why did NAU lower out-of-state 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.
What are the new scholarship amounts and requirements?
NAU offers WUE and FAR students automatic merit-based tuition scholarships for new first-year students starting fall 2027:
Non-resident (WUE/FAR):
| Scholarship | GPA (core) | 2027–28 award | 4-year savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summit | 3.75—4.00 | $6,500 | $26,000 |
| Peak | 3.50—3.74 | $6,000 | $24,000 |
| Ascent | 3.00—3.49 | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Trailhead | Admitted—2.99 | $2,500 | $10,000 |
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.
Check eligibility requirements for all tuition scholarships. Transfer scholarships are available for eligible non-resident students.
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.
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.
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.
Will current students also be charged the lower tuition amount?
Yes. Beginning in fall 2027, all current non‑resident undergraduate students will be charged the new $16,000 tuition rate. If you receive a tuition‑based scholarship, the scholarship amount will be adjusted accordingly so that your net tuition cost (the amount you pay after scholarships) remains the same as in the 2025–26 academic year.
Will the new tuition be the same for every student?
No. Arizona residents will continue to pay $12,000 for the 2027-2028 academic year, while non-residents will pay $16,000. Individual costs may vary based on scholarships, financial aid, and personal expenses.
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.
What's not changing (and still true for NAU)
Academic quality
Student experience
FAFSA-based aid eligibility
Student employment opportunities
College & program accreditation
