Northern Arizona University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Northern Arizona University is a public research university with an acceptance rate of 85%. Founded in 1899, Northern Arizona University is located on a 738-acre campus in Flagstaff, Arizona. Students can choose from over 100 undergraduate degree programs offered through the university's seven colleges. Biomedical science, criminology and criminal justice, and nursing majors are popular among undergraduates. In athletics, the NAU Lumberjacks compete in the NCAA Division I Big Sky and Western Athletic conferences.

Considering applying to Northern Arizona University? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, Northern Arizona University had an acceptance rate of 85%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 85 students were admitted, making Northern Arizona's admissions process less competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

Northern Arizona University has a test-optional standardized testing policy. Applicants to Northern Arizona may submit SAT or ACT scores to the school, but they are not required for all applicants. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 32% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that of those students who submitted scores during the 2018-19 admissions cycle, most of Northern Arizona's admitted students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to Northern Arizona scored between 520 and 620, while 25% scored below 520 and 25% scored above 620. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 520 and 610, while 25% scored below 520 and 25% scored above 610. While the SAT is not required, this data tells us that a composite SAT score of 1230 or higher is competitive for Northern Arizona.

Requirements

Northern Arizona University does not require SAT scores for admission for applicants who meet the school's guaranteed admission requirements. For students who choose to submit scores, note that Northern Arizona participates in the scorechoice program, meaning that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates. Northern Arizona does not require the essay section of the SAT. At Northern Arizona, SAT Subject test scores may be used to substitute for required coursework.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Northern Arizona has a test-optional standardized testing policy. Applicants to Northern Arizona may submit SAT or ACT scores to the school, but they are not required for all applicants. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 49% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that of those who submitted scores during the 2018-19 admissions cycle, most of Northern Arizona's admitted students fall within the bottom 46% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Northern Arizona received a composite ACT score between 19 and 25, while 25% scored above 25 and 25% scored below 19.

Requirements

Note that Northern Arizona does not require ACT scores for admission for applicants who meet the school's guaranteed admission requirements. For students who choose to submit scores, Northern Arizona participates in the scorechoice program, meaning that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all ACT test dates. Northern Arizona does not require the ACT writing section.

GPA

In 2019, the average high school GPA of Northern Arizona University's incoming freshmen class was 3.64, and 46% of incoming students had average GPAs of 3.75 and above. These results suggest that most successful applicants to Northern Arizona University have primarily A grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Northern Arizona University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

Northern Arizona University, which accepts over three-quarters of applicants, has a somewhat selective admissions process. If your GPA in minimum required coursework falls within the school's range, you have a strong chance of being accepted. For guaranteed admission, you'll need a 3.0 or higher GPA in core academic subjects including four years of English and math, three years of laboratory science, two years of social science and a foreign language, and one year of fine arts. You can also be considered for admission if you have a 2.5 GPA in core courses and have no more than one deficiency in the required academic subjects. Note that the course requirements for admission can also be fulfilled with standardized test scores. Students who submit official test scores will also be considered for scholarships. The university does not have a holistic admissions process, so essays and extracurricular activities do not play a role in the admissions process.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent students who were admitted to Northern Arizona University. You can see that the great majority had combined SAT scores (ERW+M) of 850 or higher, ACT composite scores of 16 or higher, and a high school GPA of a "B-" or higher. Note that Northern Arizona University has test-optional admissions for some applicants.

If You Like Northern Arizona University, You May Also Like These Schools

• University of Arizona
• Arizona State University
• University of Oregon
• University of Southern California
• University of Nevada Las Vegas
• Colorado State University
• San Diego State University
• Washington State University
• CSU Long Beach

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Northern Arizona University Undergraduate Admissions Office.