University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) vs Northern Arizona University (NAU)

Nestled in the heart of Alaska's largest city, the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) stands as a beacon of higher learning, while in the vibrant city of Flagstaff, Arizona, Northern Arizona University (NAU) thrives as a hub of academic excellence. Both institutions offer a diverse range of programs, but they differ in their acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Northern Arizona University	University of Alaska Anchorage
Overview
Location	Flagstaff, Arizona	Anchorage, Alaska
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	74.0%	69.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	78.4%	69.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $65
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	42,872	3,431
Total number of admissions given out	33,592	2,369
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,297	990
Yield rate	15.8%	41.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $28,430 Out of state: $43,176	In state: $29,573 Out of state: $46,179
Average net price	$16,059	$12,816
Tuition	In state: $10,650 Out of state: $25,396	In state: $7,224 Out of state: $23,072
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,000 Meal plan: $5,338	Room/dormitory: $7,312 Meal plan: $5,350
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	97.0% Average amount $12,922	80.0% Average amount $7,523
Students receiving federal student loan	34.0% Average amount $5,314	19.0% Average amount $4,913
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $13,306	1.0% Average amount $12,115

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	24,162 Men 37.0% Women 63.0%	10,259 Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
Graduate students	4,549 Men 32.1% Women 67.9%	586 Men 33.1% Women 66.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	31.9%	7.2%
International students	2.2%	1.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	9,853	996
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Arizona California Colorado Nevada New Mexico	Alaska California Texas Oregon Hawaii

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Health Professions Business Engineering Public Administration and Social Service	Health Professions Business Liberal Arts Engineering Psychology
Students to faculty ratio	21:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	59.0%	30.5%
Dropout rate	40.0%	47.9%
Transferred out	N/A	16.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $94,560 Year 2: $101,406 Year 3: $108,112 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $100,716 Year 2: $92,632 Year 3: $96,135 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $80,374 Year 2: $79,081 Year 3: $89,768 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,244 Year 2: $76,117 Year 3: $81,532 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,225 Year 2: $74,890 Year 3: $79,106 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,718 Year 2: $68,219 Year 3: $75,432 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $71,725 Year 2: $71,183 Year 3: $71,928 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,840 Year 2: $59,350 Year 3: $70,793 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $58,911 Year 2: $65,042 Year 3: $70,433 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,712 Year 2: $54,252 Year 3: $68,199	Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,098 Year 2: $74,017 Year 3: $91,752 Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $87,604 Year 3: $90,902 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $80,711 Year 2: $72,274 Year 3: $78,757 Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $66,728 Year 3: $74,552 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,504 Year 2: $66,325 Year 3: $71,837 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,122 Year 2: $72,101 Year 3: $70,544 Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $71,329 Year 2: $68,033 Year 3: $65,761 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,366 Year 2: $55,840 Year 3: $61,104 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,628 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $58,933 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $39,066 Year 2: $55,770 Year 3: $58,645

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in location and environment between University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) and Northern Arizona University (NAU)?

UAA is located in Anchorage, Alaska, offering a unique environment with access to stunning Alaskan landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. The climate is cold, with long winters and short summers. NAU is situated in Flagstaff, Arizona, at a high elevation, providing a four-season climate with warm summers, snowy winters, and access to the Grand Canyon and other Southwestern attractions. The environment is characterized by ponderosa pine forests and a desert landscape.
How do the academic programs compare at UAA and NAU?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. UAA is particularly strong in programs related to Alaska's industries, such as engineering, nursing, and natural resource management. NAU excels in fields like forestry, environmental science, and astronomy, leveraging its location and research facilities. Both universities have strong liberal arts programs as well.
What is the cost of attendance like at UAA versus NAU?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, can vary. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates. However, factors like residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state) significantly impact the overall cost. You should check the specific tuition and fee schedules on each university's website for the most up-to-date information and compare based on your residency status.
What are the student life and campus culture like at UAA and NAU?

UAA has a diverse student body and a more urban campus feel, reflecting the city of Anchorage. Student life includes various clubs, organizations, and recreational activities, with a focus on outdoor adventures. NAU has a more traditional college town atmosphere, with a strong sense of community and school spirit. The campus is known for its active student organizations, Greek life, and outdoor recreation opportunities, including skiing and hiking.
How do the research opportunities differ at UAA and NAU?

Both universities provide research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UAA's research focuses on areas relevant to Alaska, such as Arctic studies, environmental science, and health sciences. NAU has a strong research presence in fields like forestry, astronomy (due to its location), and environmental science, with access to unique research facilities and partnerships.
What are the athletic programs like at UAA and NAU?

UAA competes in NCAA Division I for hockey and Division II for other sports. The Seawolves have a strong hockey program. NAU competes in NCAA Division I in most sports, including basketball, football, and track and field. NAU's athletic programs are generally more prominent and have a wider range of sports.
What are the housing options like at UAA and NAU?

Both universities offer on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartments. UAA's housing options are generally more limited compared to NAU. NAU has a larger selection of on-campus housing, catering to a larger student population. Both universities also have off-campus housing options available in the surrounding areas.
How does the accessibility of outdoor recreation compare between UAA and NAU?

Both universities offer excellent access to outdoor recreation, but the types of activities differ. UAA provides unparalleled access to Alaskan wilderness, including opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. NAU offers access to the Grand Canyon, national forests, and mountains, providing opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, skiing, and mountain biking. The specific activities and environments are distinct, catering to different outdoor interests.
What are the career services and support systems like at UAA and NAU?

Both universities offer career services to assist students with career planning, resume writing, and job searching. UAA's career services often focus on opportunities within Alaska, including industries like oil and gas, tourism, and government. NAU's career services provide support for a broader range of career paths, with a focus on industries relevant to the Southwest and beyond. Both universities offer internship programs and networking opportunities.
Which university is better for me, UAA or NAU?

The 'better' university depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you are drawn to the unique environment and opportunities of Alaska, and are interested in programs related to Alaskan industries, UAA might be a good fit. If you prefer a more traditional college town atmosphere, a warmer climate, and access to Southwestern attractions, and are interested in programs like forestry or environmental science, NAU could be a better choice. Consider your academic interests, desired lifestyle, and career aspirations when making your decision.

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