Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona · Public · 89.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 64/100 · Fair Value
Northern Arizona University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $13,009/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $29,881/yr |
| Average net price | $14,158/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $56,632 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,384 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $36,900 |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $201 |
| Estimated payback period | 10.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 61.3% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 22,903 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,709 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,398 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,330 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,050 |
| $110,001+ | $20,686 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Northern Arizona University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $50,448 | C |
| Registered Nursing | $84,996 | B+ |
| Biology | $55,446 | C |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $56,433 | C+ |
| Teacher Education | $50,738 | B |
| Political Science and Government | $56,676 | C+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $66,376 | B |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $61,250 | C |
| Public Health | $61,757 | C |
| Social Work | $54,000 | C+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Northern Arizona University is $13,009/year ($29,881/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $14,158/year, or roughly $56,632 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $9,709/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $20,686/year.
The median graduate leaves with $19,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $201 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $54,384 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.52 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 63.7% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 68.6% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 59.2% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 63.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 89.6% |
| Enrollment | 22,903 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 31.3% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,847 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Arizona University (this school) | 64 | $14,158 | $54,384 |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | 77 | $14,967 | $62,668 |
| University of Arizona | 75 | $16,674 | $59,979 |
| University of Oregon | 68 | $22,182 | $61,324 |
| West Virginia University | 64 | $15,634 | $55,939 |
| East Carolina University | 61 | $15,739 | $55,146 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Northern Arizona University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $14,158 per year leads to $56,632 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $54,384 a decade out. The payback period of 10.1 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Areas of concern include concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $19,000 against $54,384 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.