Choosing the right school for your higher education is an important decision. Considering factors such as cost, academic programs, and campus life can help you determine which school is best suited for your needs. In this article, we will compare and contrast the University of Arizona (UA) and Northern Arizona University (NAU), two prominent institutions in Arizona, to help you make an informed decision.
UA Overview
The University of Arizona (UA) is a public research university located in Tucson, Arizona. Established in 1885, it is the oldest university in the state and has a rich history of academic excellence, research, and innovation. With over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs offered across 20 colleges and schools, UA provides a wide array of academic opportunities for students to explore.
UA Costs & Tuition
Tuition rates at UA vary based on residency status. In the 2020-2021 academic year, undergraduate tuition for Arizona residents was approximately $12,600, while out-of-state students paid around $36,600. Graduate tuition rates were slightly higher, with in-state students paying around $13,300 and out-of-state students paying $33,800. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available to help offset these costs.
UA Admissions
Admission to UA is moderately competitive with an acceptance rate of approximately 84%. Prospective students are required to submit an online application, high school transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores. Additional materials such as recommendation letters and essays may also be required for certain programs or scholarships.
UA Degrees Offered
UA offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including business, engineering, arts and sciences, education, and health sciences. Some of the most popular programs include business administration, psychology, engineering, and biology.
UA Academics
UA is known for its strong academic programs and research opportunities. The university is classified as a Research I institution, which denotes its high level of research activity. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and are encouraged to engage in research and experiential learning opportunities.
UA Diversity
UA has a diverse student body, with students representing all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, and it offers numerous resources and programs to promote diversity and inclusion on campus.
UA Students
Student life at UA is vibrant and offers a wide array of activities and organizations for students to get involved in. With over 600 registered student organizations, there is something for everyone, ranging from academic and professional organizations to social clubs and intramural sports.
UA Campus
The UA campus is located in Tucson, Arizona, and spans 380 acres. It is home to numerous state-of-the-art facilities, including research centers, study spaces, and athletic facilities. Students can enjoy Tucson’s year-round sunny weather, as well as the city’s cultural and recreational opportunities.
UA Alumni
Notable UA alumni include U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema, former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona, and actress Kate Walsh. UA alumni have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, entertainment, and science.
UA Rankings
UA is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the nation. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UA was ranked #97 in National Universities and #46 in Top Public Schools.
UA Outcomes
Graduates of UA go on to achieve success in various fields. The university boasts high graduation and retention rates, and its alumni network provides valuable connections and resources for career development.
NAU Overview
Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a public research university located in Flagstaff, Arizona. Established in 1899, NAU has grown to offer more than 150 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across nine colleges and schools. With a strong focus on student success and research, NAU provides a supportive and engaging learning environment for its students.
NAU Costs & Tuition
Similar to UA, tuition at NAU depends on residency status. For the 2020-2021 academic year, undergraduate tuition for Arizona residents was approximately $11,900, while out-of-state students paid around $25,900. Graduate tuition rates were roughly $11,200 for in-state students and $24,700 for out-of-state students. Financial aid options are available to help students manage these costs.
NAU Admissions
Admissions at NAU are considered less competitive than UA, with an acceptance rate of around 85%. Prospective students must submit an online application, high school transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores. Additional materials, such as recommendation letters and essays, may be required for certain programs or scholarships.
NAU Degrees Offered
NAU offers over 150 undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including business, education, health sciences, engineering, and environmental sciences. Popular programs at NAU include nursing, education, business administration, and biology.
NAU Academics
NAU is known for its focus on student success and research opportunities. The university is classified as a Research II institution, indicating its focus on research and graduate education. Students at NAU have access to cutting-edge facilities and are encouraged to participate in research and hands-on learning experiences.
NAU Diversity
NAU has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 80 countries. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and offers various resources and programs to support its diverse student population.
NAU Students
Student life at NAU offers a range of activities and organizations for students to get involved in. With over 400 registered student organizations, there is something for everyone, from academic and professional organizations to social clubs and intramural sports.
NAU Campus
The NAU campus is located in Flagstaff, Arizona, and spans 700 acres. It is surrounded by the picturesque landscape of the Colorado Plateau and offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities. Campus facilities include research centers, study spaces, and athletic facilities.
NAU Alumni
Notable NAU alumni include former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, astronaut John Herrington, and actor Brady Black. NAU graduates have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, entertainment, and science.
NAU Rankings
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, NAU was ranked #284 in National Universities and #142 in Top Public Schools.
NAU Outcome
Graduates of NAU go on to achieve success in their respective fields. The university has strong graduation and retention rates, and its alumni network provides valuable connections and resources for career development.
UA vs NAU Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending UA and NAU, it’s important to consider both tuition rates and additional expenses such as housing, meal plans, and fees. While both universities have similar tuition rates for in-state students, out-of-state tuition is significantly higher at UA. Additionally, cost-of-living expenses may be slightly higher in Tucson compared to Flagstaff.
UA vs NAU Admissions Difficulty
Both UA and NAU have similar acceptance rates, with UA being slightly more competitive at 84%, compared to NAU’s 85%. While both universities require similar application materials, students may find the admissions process at UA to be marginally more challenging due to its higher level of research activity and national rankings.
UA vs NAU Academic Difficulty
The academic rigor and difficulty at both schools will depend on the specific program and major. Both universities are classified as research institutions and offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Students should consider factors such as faculty-to-student ratios, class sizes, and access to research opportunities when evaluating the academic difficulty of each school.
UA vs NAU Outcome Comparison
Outcomes for graduates of UA and NAU are generally positive, with both schools boasting high graduation and retention rates, as well as strong alumni networks. UA’s higher national rankings and Research I classification may provide additional opportunities for research and networking, which could potentially influence post-graduation outcomes.
