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Northern Arizona University
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Northern Arizona University - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler2.69

Academics

C+
Where does this grade come from?View all Academics rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Academics Grades:

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Full-Time Student Population 17,477
Part-Time Student Population 6,123
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 804
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 601
Total FT Faculty 813
Faculty with Terminal Degree 76%
Average Faculty Salary $66,703
Full-Time Retention Rate 72%
Part-Time Retention Rate 62%
Graduation Rate 53%
Programs/Majors Offered 181
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 39%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 51%
  • 50 or More Students: 10%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

NAU is a hidden gem. Most people don’t generally view NAU as a highly-regarded academic institution; however, the school’s small class sizes really give students the opportunity to ask questions and develop personal relationships with their professors. The instructors themselves are passionate about their fields. The salaries at NAU are not very high, so it’s more likely that your teachers really enjoy what they do and aren’t just here because it allows them to buy a Beamer.

Aside from that, there is a definite culture at NAU that you'll either like or you won’t. This applies in almost every area, including academics. The classes are not the most challenging you will find, but the pride of NAU is undergraduate education. NAU does have the highest standards of the three Arizona universities for admissions, but that is coming from the 49th-ranked public education system in the country. The TAs in most programs are another bright spot, as are the free Supplemental Instructors in most programs. The education you receive is rewarding; it just takes time to get deeper into the upper-level courses. NAU began as a teacher’s college, and while the education program is still near the top of its programs, the College of Business has been flooded with funding the past few years, leading to the building of a state-of-the-art business building. The hotel and restaurant management and rorestry programs don’t attract as many students but are regionally seen as near the top in their fields. In short, NAU has carved out a niche as an undergraduate-focused university in a state where that is definitely unique.
 

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Northern Arizona Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Northern Arizona University

willed

'14

Education

2.3
C

Financial Aid

I came to Northern Arizona University because it had the physical education program that I needed, however it has been extremely difficult getting any help with either a campus job or financial aid. I cannot be the only student experiencing being on the edge of financial disaster. I am very caustious about how many loans I take out as I have seen the struggles others have had with repayment.

Feb 09, 2012

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Academics at Northern Arizona University

mollywoodaz

'13

Psychology

4.6
A

Research!!

I was pleasantly surprise to find that most of my classes this semester require a fairly extensive research project which focus on specific, narrow topics. As I'm partially interested in psychological research, I'm excited to get some experience under my belt. In my research methods class, we actually get to conduct an experiment. The fact that we have this opportunity available means a promising addition to graduate school applications. I like to have a moderately challenging workload and I also like to have homework at least once a week to keep me focused on my individual classes. All of my classes this semester meet my expectations for the amount of homework and studying necessary.

Jan 23, 2012

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Academics at Northern Arizona University

lm573

'15

Psychology

4.6
A

Professors

The Professors at NAU are extremely nice. They understand special circumstances really good are willing to help out at any time.

Jan 08, 2012

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Page 1 of 25

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics

Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: No
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: No
Recreational/Avocational: No
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: Yes
Life Experience Credits: No
AP Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 4, 5, 6, or 7
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • College of Arts and Letters
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering and Natural Sciences
  • School of Forestry
  • W.A. Franke College of Business
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Certificate
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Educational Administration: 3%
  • Elementary Education: 6%
  • Hospitality Management: 2%
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences: 3%
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Best Places to Study
  • Aspen Crossing Learning Community
  • Chemistry Lab Building
  • Cline Library
  • Cowden Learning Community
Did You Know?

Washington Monthly ranked NAU 107th out of 245 schools in its evaluation of U.S. universities. According to an NAU press release, the survey criteria held that universities should be “engines of social mobility,” produce scientific research and sound academic minds, and also “inculcate and encourage an ethic of service.” The Lumberjacks ranked ahead of universities such as Florida State, Baylor, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

NAU’s Keim Genetics Lab and subsequent TGen North program are internationally renowned facilities that received national headlines amidst the post-9/11 bioterrorism attacks. They contain one of the largest anthrax labs in the world, and the faculty continues to be on the forefront of the United States’ defense against bioterrorism.

What is LOUIE? LOUIE is the Lumberjack’s Online University Information Environment, NAU’s Web-based information system. Through it, you can access grades, transcripts, financial information, and course catalogue information, as well as numerous other helpful facts. LOUIE is also where you will enroll in classes and pay fees. Be prepared: the finances section can be very confusing and causes many a headache until you figure it out.

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at NAU

Name: Byran LaBore

Hometown: Bismarck, ND

Major: Biology

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