Instructional Leadership, emphasis: K-12 School Leadership (MEd)
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  1. NAU
  2. Paying for college
  3. Guide to financial aid

Understanding financial aid

You’ve decided education is your path to the future you aspire to, and we’re here to help you get started.

There is a wide variety of financial aid available—at Northern Arizona University and through other sources—to help pay for your college expenses.

Would you prefer to read our financial aid page in Spanish? See guía a ayuda financiera in Spanish for more.

Types of financial aid

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Scholarships

Scholarships do not have to be repaid. Requirements might include academic achievement, enrollment in a particular degree program, or financial need. Some scholarships require their own application (outside of a university’s application for admission).
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Grants

Grants typically do not have to be repaid and can come from many different sources, including the federal government, state government, or from the university itself.
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Student loans

Student loans allow you to borrow money that must be repaid with interest. For many student loans, staying enrolled in a certain number of credit hours is required.

Parents of dependent students may also apply for loans.
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Graduate waivers

Many of the university’s colleges and academic units offer tuition waivers to help support graduate education costs.

Other ways to pay for college

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Student employment and other NAU programs provide additional opportunities to make your education more affordable.

Explore more financial resources