Freshman tuition scholarships 2027-2028
NAU makes college more affordable for first-year students. You’ll be automatically considered for scholarships, and there are even more ways to boost your financial aid! Here’s how to get started.
If you are enrolling to NAU for the Spring 2027 term, refer to freshman tuition scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Which tuition and scholarship options apply to you?
Starting in fall 2027, NAU is changing its tuition and scholarship structure for incoming undergraduate students. Your options depend on where you live.
Find your student category below to see the scholarships available to you.
I live in Arizona
You’re likely an Arizona resident.
Explore scholarships available to Arizona resident students.
I live in a Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) state or territory
You may qualify for WUE.
If you live in one of the participating western states or territories, you could receive a reduced tuition rate and additional scholarship opportunities.
I live outside Arizona and don't qualify for WUE
You’re a non-resident.
Beginning fall 2027, eligible non-resident students will pay a new $16,000 annual tuition rate through the Flagstaff Advantage Rate (FAR), with additional scholarship opportunities available.
Arizona residents
| Scholarship | GPA (core) | 2027-28 award | 4-year savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lumberjack Scholars Award | 3.75—4.00 | $11,000 | $44,000 |
| President's | 3.50—3.74 | $9,000 | $36,000 |
| Dean’s with Distinction | 3.4—3.49 | $6,500 | $26,000 |
| Dean's | 3.00—3.39 | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Opportunity | Admitted—2.99 | $2,500 | $10,000 |
*For more information on how the High School Core GPA is calculated, please review the admissions requirements.
Scholarships will renew automatically for three additional years as long as students meet renewal criteria, including living on campus for the first year. These will only be applied to fall and spring semesters.
Access2Excellence (A2E)
Through a combination of funding, including scholarships, A2E covers 100% of tuition for eligible Arizona residents with a household income up to $65,000. And if you’re a member of one of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes, you qualify for A2E no matter your income or state of residency. A2E applies to Flagstaff and statewide campus students (but not online). Learn more about Access2Excellence.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
If you’re from a western state, you may qualify for the WUE program, which gives you a major tuition discount as an out-of-state student. It’s a smart way to save and expand your options. Discover what Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is all about.
| 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.
These will only be applied to fall and spring semesters.
Out-of-State (non-WUE)
| 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 |
*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.
These will only be applied to fall and spring semesters.
Department-specific scholarships
Many NAU colleges offer scholarships for undergraduate students. Use ScholarshipUniverse to find opportunities in your program:
- College of Arts and Letters
- College of Education
- College of Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences
- College of Health and Human Services
- Maria and Steve Sanghi College of Nursing
- College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Steve Sanghi College of Engineering
- The W. A. Franke College of Business
Scholarship eligibility and general criteria
To be considered for NAU’s tuition scholarships, you must:
- be working toward your first bachelor’s degree
- be enrolled full-time (12+ credits)
- (We recommend 15 credits per semester to stay on track to graduate in 4 years.)
- attend Flagstaff or a Desert Campus
- accept your admission and pay the enrollment fee
- submit final high school transcripts right after graduation
Note: These scholarships apply to tuition only in the fall and spring semesters and can’t be combined with other NAU tuition awards (outside scholarships are okay as long as the total doesn’t exceed tuition).
Keeping your scholarship
Your tuition scholarship is renewable for up to 4 years (8 semesters) as long as you:
- maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA at NAU
- stay enrolled full-time (12+ credits per semester)
If you can't meet the renewal requirements due to extenuating circumstances, students are invited to submit a Scholarship Reinstatement Request and we'll do our best to help.
Studying abroad?
Good news! Most tuition scholarships can be used toward NAU’s education abroad or exchange programs. They don’t apply to faculty-led or provider programs, though. Reach out to Financial Aid if you’re planning to study internationally.
Additional awards
President's International Baccalaureate (IB)
Award amount: $5,000 per academic year (fall and spring)
Selection: The IB diploma is awarded to students who earn at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance across the whole program and to satisfactory participation in the creativity, action, and service requirements. The maximum a Diploma Program student can earn is 45 points.
Eligibility: Arizona residents and non-residents (including WUE students)
Renewal criteria: Maintain a 2.0 cumulative NAU GPA
Multiple scholarship awards: This award can be combined with other tuition scholarships as long as it does not exceed the cost of the out-of-state portion of tuition.
Arizona Academic Decathlon
Award amount: $2,000 per academic year (fall and spring)
How to apply: No separate application is required outside of your NAU application for admission. The Arizona Academic Decathlon Association selects recipients and provides their information to NAU.
Eligibility: Recipient must be an Arizona resident who has participated in the Arizona Academic Decathlon—either regional or state—for at least two years.
Renewal Criteria
To maintain this scholarship, students must meet the general eligibility requirements for NAU scholarships.
- Duration: Renewable for up to four consecutive years (fall and spring semesters only). The total number of semesters/years depends on the student’s academic level at the time of transfer to NAU.
- Academic Performance: Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
- Credit Completion: Complete 30 credits each academic year (fall, spring, and summer).
Multiple scholarship awards: This award can be combined with other outside tuition scholarships as long as it does not exceed the cost of tuition. It cannot be combined with other tuition scholarships offered at NAU (the President’s International Baccalaureate scholarship is the only exception).
Questions about freshman tuition scholarships?
- Incoming students: Contact Admissions at admissions@nau.edu or 928-523-5511.
- Continuing students: Contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA) at financial.aid@nau.edu or 928-523-4951.
We’re here to help!