Northern Arizona University: Overview
Northern Arizona University (NAU), established in 1899, is a comprehensive public institution located in Flagstaff, Arizona, United States. With its main campus situated at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, NAU operates additional educational centers across the state. The university enrolls over 28,000 students, with around 20,000 attending the Flagstaff campus. Committed to both teaching and research, NAU is recognized for its regional impact and increasing national profile, offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its eight colleges.
Academic Strengths and Structure
NAU is distinguished by its robust programs in forestry, health and life sciences, education, business, and environmental sustainability. The university is home to the nationally ranked School of Forestry and a College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences that drives research in ecological resilience and climate change. Its Center for Health Equity Research and partnerships in biomedical science underscore a growing research portfolio. NAU’s educational philosophy blends interdisciplinary learning with hands-on, experiential approaches, exemplified by the Personalized Learning program—a competency-based, adaptive model. The university collaborates globally through international exchange partnerships and is ranked among top U.S. institutions for Native American degree conferrals. In the NSF’s Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey, NAU has consistently ranked in the top 200 U.S. research universities.
Student Life and Community
NAU fosters a vibrant, inclusive campus life with more than 400 student organizations spanning cultural, academic, athletic, and artistic interests. The Office of Inclusion, Multicultural Student Center, and International Student and Scholar Services promote diversity and global engagement. Comprehensive support services, including wellness centers and academic advising, facilitate student development and well-being. On-campus housing is available to over 8,000 students, while recreation opportunities abound—from NCAA Division I athletics to extensive trails, arts events, and student-led initiatives. The university emphasizes sustainability, community service, and leadership through campus events and outreach programs, nurturing a connected and dynamic student community.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Northern Arizona University’s mission is to foster student-centered, world-class education, cutting-edge research, and impactful public service. Guided by principles of sustainability, innovation, access, and equity, NAU prepares graduates to engage as informed, socially responsible global citizens.
