Flagstaff, AZ · Private University
Is Northern Arizona University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$54,384
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$12,652
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,900
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$115,600
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.88x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
56.9%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$19,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$14,922
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Northern Arizona University graduates earn $9,384 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Northern Arizona University ranked by graduate earnings
58 graduates
43 graduates
50 graduates
138 graduates
806 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Northern Arizona University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Northern Arizona University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $101,304) and the lowest (Fine and Studio Arts: $22,401) is $78,903/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $101,304 | 3.5x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $86,613 | 3.0x |
| Construction Management | $82,187 | 2.8x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $76,817 | 2.7x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $75,641 | 2.6x |
| Civil Engineering | $72,348 | 2.5x |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering | $69,436 | 2.4x |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $67,506 | 2.3x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $66,027 | 2.3x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $62,091 | 2.1x |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | $61,482 | 2.1x |
| Marketing | $60,561 | 2.1x |
| Computer Systems Analysis(1yr data) | $60,524 | 2.1x |
| Chemistry | $55,676 | 1.9x |
| Business/Managerial Economics | $54,368 | 1.9x |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | $54,270 | 1.9x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $53,570 | 1.9x |
| Mathematics | $53,204 | 1.8x |
| Public Health | $50,875 | 1.8x |
| Forestry | $49,879 | 1.7x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $48,759 | 1.7x |
| Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis | $48,312 | 1.7x |
| Political Science and Government | $48,198 | 1.7x |
| Science Technologies/Technicians, Other | $48,142 | 1.7x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $48,117 | 1.7x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $48,053 | 1.7x |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $47,861 | 1.7x |
| Criminology | $46,048 | 1.6x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $45,404 | 1.6x |
| Biology, General | $45,255 | 1.6x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $44,690 | 1.6x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $44,389 | 1.5x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $44,293 | 1.5x |
| History | $43,992 | 1.5x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $43,754 | 1.5x |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences | $43,116 | 1.5x |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | $41,950 | 1.4x |
| Psychology, General | $40,983 | 1.4x |
| Sociology | $40,974 | 1.4x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $40,253 | 1.4x |
| Social Work | $40,193 | 1.4x |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | $39,256 | 1.4x |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $38,276 | 1.3x |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $38,243 | 1.3x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $38,200 | 1.3x |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services(1yr data) | $38,177 | 1.3x |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $38,171 | 1.3x |
| Journalism | $37,816 | 1.3x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $35,429 | 1.2x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $32,354 | 1.1x |
| Anthropology | $31,358 | 1.1x |
| Fine and Studio ArtsLowest | $22,401 | 0.8x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Northern Arizona University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $54,384 10 years after starting, $9,384 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 6 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.