Overview of Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University (NAU), founded in 1899, is a comprehensive public institution located in Flagstaff, Arizona, United States. With over 124 years of history, NAU has grown from a teachers’ college to a multifaceted university at the heart of the American Southwest. It operates as a research-active university with an emphasis on both teaching and applied scholarship, serving more than 28,000 students across its main campus and over 20 statewide locations. NAU's scale, history, and reach have earned it credibility as a key driver of regional education and innovation.
Academic Strengths and Structure
NAU excels in environmental science, forestry, health professions, education, engineering, and business administration—fields that intersect with regional and global needs. The university is renowned for its School of Forestry and its involvement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), as well as for nationally accredited programs in physical therapy, nursing, and teacher education. NAU employs an interdisciplinary, experiential learning model, integrating hands-on opportunities with foundational knowledge. The university consistently ranks among the top public universities in the western United States in U.S. News & World Report. Research expenditures have surpassed $60 million annually, reflecting NAU’s growing impact in climate science, biomedicine, and indigenous studies. Partnerships with research institutes, industry, and international academic consortia emphasize collaborative innovation and global engagement.
Student Life and Community
The NAU campus offers a vibrant student life, supported by over 400 student organizations, numerous cultural festivals, and extensive support services, including mentoring and career counseling. Diversity and inclusivity are cornerstones, with international students representing over 75 countries and numerous multicultural events promoting a global campus ethos. Students benefit from modern on-campus housing, NCAA Division I sports, and state-of-the-art facilities for recreation and the arts. Opportunities in leadership, community engagement, and sustainability initiatives further enrich the student experience, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose beyond academics.
Mission, Vision, and Values
NAU’s mission is to foster discovery, creativity, and engagement with a commitment to sustainability, educational equity, and social responsibility, preparing students to become innovative leaders and global citizens.
