Freshman tuition scholarships

First-year NAU students are automatically considered and evaluated for the scholarships below. While some private-donor scholarships may require additional steps or applications, this page provides all the information you need to get started. Students ensure the most possible financial assistance by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid before applying for any additional aid.

Arizona residents

*For more information on how the High School Core GPA is calculated, please review the admissions requirements.

Scholarships will renew automatically for three additional years as long as students meet renewal criteria.

Access2Excellence (A2E)

In addition to the scholarships above, NAU is guaranteeing tuition coverage for undergraduate Arizona residents who have a household income of up to $65,000. This program is applicable as of fall 2023 at NAU’s Flagstaff and statewide campuses (online students are not eligible).

Members of one of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes will also receive the full benefit of A2E, regardless of income or state of residency.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

WUE is a tuition savings program that makes attending out-of-state colleges and universities more affordable for students from the western states. Through WUE, you receive a reduced tuition rate, giving you more education options for your money. Discover what Western Undergraduate Exchange is all about.

*For more information on how the High School Core GPA is calculated, please review the admissions requirements.

Out-of-State (non-WUE)

*For more information on how the High School Core GPA is calculated, please review the admissions requirements.

Eligibility and general criteria

The following are general criteria that must be met to receive tuition scholarships at NAU:

• First degree: These scholarships may only be used for a student’s first bachelor’s degree.
• Enrollment: Students must be enrolled full-time (12+ credits) each fall and spring term. It is recommended that students enroll in 15 credits each term to graduate in 4 years.
• Tuition only: These awards cover tuition only; they do not cover fees or other expenses. These awards can be combined with other outside tuition scholarships as long as it does not exceed the cost of tuition. They cannot be combined with other tuition scholarships offered at NAU.
• Campus: Incoming first-year students attending a 4 year, in-person program at the Flagstaff campus or NAU statewide campus are automatically considered for tuition scholarships once admitted to NAU.
• Deadline: A student’s offer of admission must be accepted and the enrollment fee paid in order to receive their scholarship award. Final high school transcripts must be submitted to Admissions and Enrollment Services immediately following high school graduation.

Renewal criteria

• These scholarships are available for four years (eight consecutive semesters) applied to the fall and spring semesters only, provided the student meets the renewal criteria each year.
• Students must maintain a cumulative 2.0 NAU GPA.
• Students must maintain full-time course enrollment (12+ hours per semester).
• If you have circumstances preventing you from meeting any of the renewal criteria, submit a Scholarship Reinstatement Request by the priority date for the applicable semester. Submission of this request does not guarantee award reinstatement.

Education abroad and National Student Exchange

NAU tuition scholarships may be applied toward tuition for most education abroad and exchange programs but cannot be used for faculty-led or provider programs. Contact Financial Aid if you are considering studying abroad or participating in an exchange program and have questions.

Other awards

Questions about freshman tuition scholarships?

Call: 928-523-4951

Email: financial.aid@nau.edu