by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual’s Best for the Money Rankings compare the quality of a NAU degree with its cost to decide whether the school is asking a fair price. Here is how NAU measures up.
NAU is ranked #1,133 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of C (above average for value). Within Arizona, it ranks #18 of 52 for value.
Among the majors NAU offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Cultural Studies/Critical Theory & Analysis | #1 of 5 |
| Cultural Studies & Analysis | #1 of 5 |
| History | #1 of 5 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #1 of 1 |
| Teacher Education | #2 of 6 |
| Physical Sciences | #4 of 10 |
| Other Science Technologies/Technicians | #4 of 7 |
| Forest Sciences & Biology | #5 of 16 |
| Science Technologies / Technicians | #5 of 10 |
| Communications / Public Relations | #6 of 25 |
Below is the detailed NAU value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Northern Arizona University is ranked #4 out of #59 in Arizona for quality and #18 out of #52 for Arizona value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the NAU financial aid page to be sure.
Northern Arizona University is ranked #1,133 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Northern Arizona University is priced appropriately for the quality of education it provides, making it a fair value according to College Factual.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at NAU costs about $16,834. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $67,337 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $29,900 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $14,158 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $16,834 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $67,337 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about NAU net price and the factors that affect it.
What NAU costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a NAU degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $119,600 | — | — |
| All Students | $67,337 | #1,133 | C |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $56,632 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $119,600 | — | — |
| All Students | $67,337 | #18 | C |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $56,632 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at NAU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $10,333 |
| $30K–$48K | $11,015 |
| $48K–$75K | $14,211 |
| $75K–$110K | $19,013 |
| Over $110K | $20,484 |
About 83% of NAU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $13,046 per year. Get more details on the NAU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the NAU net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.