In this comparison, we will be analyzing and evaluating two schools, Northern Arizona University (NAU) and Sam Houston State University (SHSU). This article will provide information on each university’s overview, costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. Following this, we will examine the main differences and similarities of both institutions in terms of cost, admissions, academic difficulty, and outcomes.
Northern Arizona University Overview
Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a public university located in Flagstaff, Arizona, offering over 150 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Established in 1899, NAU has a rich history and a well-developed campus encompassing 740 acres. The university is known for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and hands-on learning experiences.
Northern Arizona University Costs & Tuition
NAU offers a variety of financial aid options to help students afford higher education. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate students can expect to pay around $11,896 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state undergraduate students will pay approximately $26,516. Tuition for graduate students varies depending on the program, but on average, it costs between $10,000 and $20,000 per year.
Northern Arizona University Admissions
Admission to NAU is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 85%. Prospective students are required to submit their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. The average SAT score for admitted students ranges from 1090 to 1300, while the ACT score range is between 21 and 27.
Northern Arizona University Degrees Offered
NAU offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees across various fields of study, including engineering, education, business, health sciences, and arts and humanities. Some popular majors include nursing, business administration, and mechanical engineering. NAU also offers several online degree programs, making it accessible to students who may not be able to attend classes on campus.
Northern Arizona University Academics
NAU is known for its strong emphasis on research and hands-on learning experiences. The university has a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing students to receive personalized attention from their professors. Additionally, NAU offers numerous research opportunities and internships for students to gain practical experience in their field of study.
Northern Arizona University Diversity
NAU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. Approximately 42% of the student population identifies as a racial or ethnic minority, with Hispanic students accounting for the largest percentage. The university offers various resources and support services to ensure that all students feel welcome and included in the campus community.
Northern Arizona University Students
As of Fall 2020, NAU had a total enrollment of 31,066 students, including 27,072 undergraduate students and 3,994 graduate students. The majority of students come from Arizona, but around 18% are from out-of-state and 3% are international students. NAU offers a wide range of student organizations and clubs, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved in campus life.
Northern Arizona University Campus
NAU’s campus spans 740 acres in Flagstaff, Arizona, surrounded by beautiful forest and mountain landscapes. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research centers, and recreation facilities. Students can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, thanks to the university’s proximity to the Coconino National Forest and the San Francisco Peaks.
Northern Arizona University Alumni
NAU has a strong alumni network, with over 171,000 living alumni worldwide. Many graduates have gone on to have successful careers in various fields, such as business, education, science, and the arts. Notable alumni include former Arizona Governor Raul Hector Castro, actress Diane Venora, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Steve Benson.
Northern Arizona University Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, NAU ranks #284 in National Universities and #146 in Top Public Schools. Additionally, the university ranks #86 in Best Online Graduate Education Programs and #123 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.
Northern Arizona University Outcomes
NAU boasts a 52% graduation rate and a strong commitment to student success. The university offers various support services, such as academic advising and career counseling, to help students achieve their goals. Within six months of graduation, 71% of NAU graduates find employment or continue their education.
Sam Houston State University Overview
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is a public university located in Huntsville, Texas. Established in 1879, SHSU has a long history and a reputation for providing high-quality education. The university offers over 170 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across a wide range of fields.
Sam Houston State University Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate students at SHSU can expect to pay around $8,536 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state undergraduate students will pay approximately $18,664. Graduate tuition varies based on the program, but on average, students can expect to pay between $7,000 and $15,000 per year.
Sam Houston State University Admissions
Admissions at SHSU are moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of about 79%. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. The average SAT score for admitted students ranges from 990 to 1160, while the ACT score range is between 19 and 25.
Sam Houston State University Degrees Offered
SHSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including criminal justice, education, business, and agriculture. Some popular majors at SHSU include criminal justice, business administration, and interdisciplinary studies. Additionally, the university offers numerous online degree programs for students who need flexibility in their education.
Sam Houston State University Academics
With a 23:1 student-to-faculty ratio, SHSU provides students with opportunities for personalized attention from professors. The university also offers a variety of research and internship opportunities for students to gain practical experience in their field of study.
Sam Houston State University Diversity
SHSU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. Approximately 51% of the student population identifies as a racial or ethnic minority, with Hispanic students accounting for the largest percentage. The university offers various resources and support services to ensure that all students feel welcome and included in the campus community.
Sam Houston State University Students
As of Fall 2020, SHSU had a total enrollment of 21,213 students, including 17,956 undergraduate students and 3,257 graduate students. The majority of students come from Texas, but around 5% are from out-of-state and 1% are international students. SHSU offers a wide range of student organizations and clubs, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved in campus life.
Sam Houston State University Campus
SHSU’s campus is located in Huntsville, Texas, spanning over 316 acres. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research centers, and recreation facilities. Students at SHSU can also take advantage of the university’s proximity to Houston and its numerous cultural and professional opportunities.
Sam Houston State University Alumni
SHSU has a strong alumni network, with more than 110,000 living alumni worldwide. Many graduates have gone on to have successful careers in various fields, such as business, education, science, and the arts. Notable alumni include former Texas Governor Price Daniel, journalist Dan Rather, and country music singer Cody Johnson.
Sam Houston State University Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, SHSU ranks #299 in National Universities and #153 in Top Public Schools. Additionally, the university ranks #63 in Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs and #127 in Best Online Graduate Education Programs.
Sam Houston State University Outcomes
SHSU boasts a 52% graduation rate and a strong commitment to student success. The university offers various support services, such as academic advising and career counseling, to help students achieve their goals. Within six months of graduation, approximately 70% of SHSU graduates find employment or continue their education.
Northern Arizona University vs Sam Houston State University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending NAU and SHSU, there are several factors to consider. For in-state undergraduate students, SHSU is more affordable, with tuition and fees totaling around $8,536, compared to NAU’s $11,896. However, for out-of-state undergraduate students, the difference in cost is less pronounced, with NAU’s tuition and fees at $26,516 and SHSU’s at $18,664. Graduate tuition varies by program, but on average, SHSU appears to be more affordable for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Northern Arizona University vs Sam Houston State University Admissions Difficulty
Both NAU and SHSU have moderately selective admissions processes, with NAU having an acceptance rate of 85% and SHSU having a 79% acceptance rate. Both schools require applicants to submit their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. However, the average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students at NAU are generally higher than those at SHSU, which could indicate that NAU may be slightly more difficult to gain admission to.
Northern Arizona University vs Sam Houston State University Academic Difficulty
The academic difficulty of the programs at both NAU and SHSU can vary depending on the specific major and course requirements. However, both schools have similar student-to-faculty ratios, with NAU at 19:1 and SHSU at 23:1, indicating that students at both institutions have access to personalized attention from professors. Additionally, both universities offer research and internship opportunities for students to gain practical experience in their field of study, further enhancing their academic experience.
Northern Arizona University vs Sam Houston State University Outcome Comparison
Both NAU and SHSU have a 52% graduation rate, indicating that students at both institutions have a similar likelihood of completing their degree programs. In terms of post-graduation outcomes, 71% of NAU graduates find employment or continue their education within six months of graduating, compared to approximately 70% of SHSU graduates. While these figures are relatively close, they suggest that both universities are similarly successful in preparing students for their careers and future educational pursuits.
