University Grants & Scholarships

Your future is worth investing in and we’re here to help! Scholarships and grants can make a meaningful difference in covering the cost of your education. Take advantage of these opportunities and discover how you can turn your goals into reality.

Eligible full-time undergraduate freshman and transfer students may qualify for institutional grants and scholarships to help cover tuition and fees, as outlined in the academic catalog. Students are responsible for all other expenses, including admissions, housing application, and enrollment confirmation fees. Tier II Athletic Scholarships are available for eligible graduate students who qualify.

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Programs
Deadlines
Tuition & Fees

Featured Grants & Scholarships

Stallion Free Tuition Grant
Cover up to 100% of your tuition — NAU’s most significant award for resident students.
Stallion Tuition Assistance & Resources Scholarship (STARS)
Extra tuition assistance and resources to help you reach graduation.

 Application Procedure

Freshman & Transfer

To apply for institutional scholarships, students must submit all supporting documents, including SAT, ACT, high school transcripts, and previous college transcripts, by the requested deadline. Additional supporting documents will not be accepted once the initial scholarship award has been issued.

Scholarship Application Deadlines
• Fall – July 15
• Spring – December 15

Current

No application is required for students currently enrolled. Eligible students will be automatically awarded based on the scholarship requirements and renewal criteria listed below

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
U.S. Resident

The following academic institutional scholarships are awarded to resident undergraduate freshman and transfer students as described in the tables below.

Freshman

(0-14 college credits earned)

Merit Scholarship Amount Qualifying Criteria Renewal CGPA Requirement
Foundation $3,000 2.50 – 2.75 GPA or SAT 950 or ACT 18 2.25
Stafford $4,000 2.76 – 3.09 GPA or SAT 1050 or ACT 20 2.50
Provost $5,000 3.10 – 3.59 GPA or SAT 1150 or ACT 23 3.00
Board $6,000 3.60 – 3.85 GPA or SAT 1250 or ACT 26 3.25
NAU $8,000 3.86 – 4.00 GPA or SAT 1350 or ACT 29 3.75
Transfer

(15 or more college credits earned)

Merit Scholarship Amount Qualifying CGPA Renewal CGPA Requirement
Foundation $3,000 2.00 – 2.24 2.25
Stafford $4,000 2.25 – 2.49 2.50
Provost $5,000 2.50 – 2.99 3.00
Board $6,000 3.00 – 3.75 3.25
NAU $8,000 3.76 – 4.00 3.75
Academic Excellence Awards are available to resident undergraduate students demonstrating exceptional academic performance and achievement. Students must earn at least 18 credit hours while attending NAU and meet the minimum CGPA requirements to be eligible for consideration. Academic Excellence Awards may increase or decrease based on the student’s CGPA and will be replaced with the appropriate scholarship level each review period. NAU Scholarship recipients do not qualify for Stallion Academic Excellence Awards.
Academic Excellence Award Amount Qualifying & Renewal CGPA
Stallion Excellence – Level 1 $500 3.00 – 3.49
Stallion Excellence – Level 2 $1,000 3.50 – 3.74
Stallion Excellence – Level 3 $2,000 3.75 – 4.00
International

The following institutional scholarships are awarded to international undergraduate freshman and transfer students as described in the tables below.

Freshman

(0-14 college credits earned)

Merit Scholarship Amount Qualifying Criteria Renewal CGPA Requirement
Foundation $12,000 SAT 950, ACT 18, or  GPA 2.50-2.99 2.25
Stafford $14,000 SAT 1050, ACT 20, or GPA 3.00-3.49 2.50
Provost $17,000 SAT 1150, ACT 23, or  GPA 3.50-4.00 3.00
Board $20,000 SAT 1250, ACT 26 or 5% PR in National Exam 3.25
NAU $22,000 SAT 1350, ACT 29 or 3% PR in National Exam 3.75
Transfer

(15 or more college credits earned)

Merit Scholarship Amount Qualifying CGPA Renewal CGPA Requirement
Foundation $12,000 2.00 – 2.24 2.25
Stafford $14,000 2.25 – 2.49 2.50
Provost $17,000 2.50 – 2.99 3.00
Board $20,000 3.00 – 3.75 3.25
NAU $22,000 3.76 – 4.00 3.75

Academic Excellence Awards are available to international undergraduate students demonstrating exceptional academic performance and achievement. Students must earn at least 18 credit hours while attending NAU and meet the minimum CGPA requirements to be eligible for consideration. Academic Excellence Awards may increase or decrease based on the student’s CGPA and will be replaced with the appropriate scholarship level each review period. International NAU Scholarship recipients do not qualify for Stallion Academic Excellence Awards.

Academic Excellence Award Amount Qualifying & Renewal CGPA
Stallion Excellence – Level 1 $500 3.00 – 3.49
Stallion Excellence – Level 2 $1,000 3.50 – 3.74
Stallion Excellence – Level 3 $2,000 3.75 – 4.00

Exceptional Merit Scholarships (EMS) are only available to international students and are solely awarded at the discretion of the Exceptional Merit Scholarship Committee. Award amounts vary and may only be applied to cover tuition, fees, and housing provided by the University. Awards are valid up to one academic year and cannot exceed the total cost of attendance. Any unused scholarship funds will not be disbursed to the student and will remain with the University. Students applying for Exceptional Merit Scholarships must submit the following documents:

  1. A resume demonstrating extensive involvement in community service and leadership activities, highlighting exceptional talents.
  2. An application essay that describes the level of engagement in community service, the breadth and quality of the student’s talents, and their passion to continue these activities on campus
  3. Supporting documents that provide evidence of the student’s talents and achievements.

Applications must be submitted through the University’s official application portal. The EMS Committee will determine the scholarship amount based on the student’s qualifications, including their involvement in community service, leadership activities, and exceptional talents. The scholarship amount will be communicated to the student upon approval.

Students who have been awarded Exceptional Merit Scholarships must renew their applications each academic year for consideration. To remain eligible, students must maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.0 each year. Renewal applications must be submitted at least two months before the start of the next academic year. Continuing students with Exceptional Merit Scholarships will be evaluated by the EMS committee at the end of each academic year. The committee will consider the student’s continued involvement in community service, leadership activities, and talents when deciding whether to renew the scholarship for the following year.

Scholarship Amount  Renewal Requirement
Exceptional Merit Scholarship Varies Re-apply each academic year

Resident Student Example

Year 1

Incoming Freshman or Transfer Undergraduate

Academic Merit Scholarship Amount
Provost Scholarship $5,000

Year 2

3.50 CGPA & 18 or More Credit Hours Earned

Academic Merit Scholarship Amount
Provost Scholarship $5,000

+

Stallion Academic Excellence Amount
Level 2 $1,000

=

New Total Amount
$6,000

Year 3

2.25 CGPA & 18 or More Credit Hours Earned

Academic Merit Scholarship Amount
Stafford Scholarship $4,000

+

Stallion Academic Excellence Amount
Ineligible $0

=

New Total Amount
$4,000

Year 4

4.0 CGPA & 18 or More Credit Hours Earned

Academic Merit Scholarship Amount
Stafford Scholarship $4,000

+

Stallion Academic Excellence Amount
Level 3 $2,000

=

New Total Amount
$6,000

International Student Example

Year 1

Incoming Freshman or Transfer Undergraduate

Academic Merit Scholarship Amount
International Board Scholarship $20,000

Year 2

3.50 CGPA & 18 or More Credit Hours Earned

Academic Merit Scholarship Amount
International Board Scholarship $20,000

+

Stallion Academic Excellence Amount
Level 2 $1,000

=

New Total Amount
$21,000

Year 3

2.25 CGPA & 18 or More Credit Hours Earned

Academic Merit Scholarship Amount
International Provost Scholarship $17,000

+

Stallion Academic Excellence Amount
Ineligible $0

=

New Total Amount
$17,000

Year 4

4.0 CGPA & 18 or More Credit Hours Earned

Academic Merit Scholarship Amount
International Provost Scholarship $17,000

+

Stallion Academic Excellence Amount
Level 3 $2,000

=

New Total Amount
$19,000

Additional Grants & Scholarships

The following additional scholarships and grants are awarded to eligible undergraduate U.S. resident and international students as described below.

Tier I and Tier II Athletic Scholarships are available to student athletes based on talent, academic merit, and financial need. Scholarship amounts vary and are awarded and renewed at the discretion of the Athletics Office each semester.

 

Award Amount  Renewal Requirement
Tier I Athletic Scholarship Varies Re-apply each semester
Tier II Athletic Scholarship $4,000 Maximum Re-apply each semester

Tier I Athletic Scholarship 

A limited amount of Tier I Athletic Scholarships may be awarded per academic year to current and incoming U.S. Residents. International students are not eligible to receive this award. This is the only institutional scholarship that may be paired with the Stallion Free Tuition Grant or the Stallion Tuition Assistance and Resource Scholarship (STARS). Tier I scholarships may be awarded to cover direct costs billed by the University (i.e., tuition, fees, room, and board) as specified below:

Tuition & Fees 

Tier I scholarships may be applied to full-time tuition and fees (including the athletics and insurance fees) as listed in the academic catalog.

On-Campus Housing 

Tier I scholarships may only be applied for on-campus housing as listed below. If a student selects another room, they are responsible for paying the difference in price. On campus housing is based on availability and placement is up to the University’s discretion.

Men & Women: 4-Bed Occupancy

Meal Plan   

Tier I scholarships may only be applied to the meal plan listed below. If a student selects another meal plan, they are responsible for paying the difference in price.

Full Meal Plan
14 Meals/Week 

Tier II Athletic Scholarship 

A limited amount of Tier II Athletic Scholarships may be awarded each academic year to current and incoming international undergraduate and graduate students. Tier II Athletic Scholarships may be awarded up to $4,000 per student each semester.

The Harmony Public School Scholarship (HPS) is available to all graduates of the Harmony Public School system. Award amounts are valid until the next scholarship evaluation and renewal period.

Award Amount Qualifying & Renewal Requirement
Harmony Public School Scholarship $2,000 2.00 CGPA

Need-based grants are available to eligible resident and international undergraduate students with exceptional financial need as a result of an economic hardship. This grant is intended to help students pay for their tuition and fees and is not meant to pay for personal expenses, such as rent, car repair/note, medical bills, utilities, etc. Students must apply for this award each semester. Award amounts vary and are only valid for the semester indicated on the application.  Awards may be reduced or cancelled for changes in the student’s account statement or financial aid eligibility. Applications must include supporting documentation that demonstrates the existence of the economic hardship. All supporting documents must be translated in English and amounts must be converted in U.S. dollars.

International students may apply after attending at least two semesters at NAU and resident students may apply after attending at least one semester at NAU. Residents must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a valid student aid index (SAI) on file with demonstrated financial need (as determined by the FAFSA) to apply. Resident students with remaining Federal Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans available are not eligible for grant consideration. Students may receive an Economic Hardship Grant up to a maximum total of two times throughout their undergraduate program. Additional applications will not be considered.

Award Amount  Renewal Requirement
Economic Hardship Grant Varies Re-apply each semester

VP Recognition Awards are solely offered at the discretion of the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Vice President of Administrative Affairs. Award amounts vary. Renewal is not guaranteed and will be determined by the VP at the time of awarding

Scholarship Amount  Renewal Requirement
VP Recognition Award Varies Re-apply each semester

Rules & Regulations

 

General Rules & Regulations

The following rules and regulations apply to all institutional grants and scholarships offered by NAU. Additional regulations may exist and are specified in the applicable scholarship section.

  • Availability of scholarships and grants may be limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Scholarships and grants are available for fall and spring semesters. Limited institutional aid is available in the summer for undergraduate students that qualify.
  • Institutional scholarships and grants may only be applied toward financial aid eligible hours, which are defined as courses that are required for the student’s officially declared degree program. Courses taken outside of the degree plan must be paid for out of pocket by the student.
  • If an institutional grant or scholarship creates a credit balance that would otherwise result in a refund to the student, the award will be adjusted accordingly to eliminate the excess and prevent any refund disbursement.
  • To remain eligible for institutional scholarships and grants, students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements and maintain full-time enrollment—defined as a minimum of 12 financial aid eligible credit hours—during the fall and spring semesters. Different eligibility criteria may apply for the summer semester.
  • Award amounts will be prorated for students in their final semester before graduation with less than 12 financial aid eligible credit hours needed to complete their program.
  • Award amounts will be prorated for students who are unable to maintain full-time enrollment in the fall or spring semester because a required course is not offered by the institution until a later term.
  • Institutional scholarship amounts are subject to adjustment based on a student’s enrollment status as of the official campus census date each semester. Any changes in enrollment—such as adding, dropping, or withdrawing from courses—prior to this date may result in a recalculation of the scholarship award. After the census date, scholarship amounts will generally remain fixed for the remainder of the term, unless otherwise required by institutional or federal regulations.
  • Eligible international students may receive a combined maximum of $22,000 in institutional grants and scholarships during the fall and spring semesters (not to exceed $11,000 per semester), excluding recipients of the Exceptional Merit Scholarship.
  • Scholarships will be reduced for students that are eligible for an employee discount if the scholarship amount exceeds their tuition and fees.
  • In cases where a student becomes ineligible or experiences a reduction in their existing scholarship, federal aid may be available for those who qualify.
  • Remedial courses do not count towards the number of credit hours earned or affect a student’s CGPA.
  • The Records Office must re-evaluate institutional scholarships for students re-entering the school through the Office of Admissions. This will happen when a student has not been enrolled at NAU for three or more semesters.
  • NAU reserves the right to update the terms stated in this policy as well as the right to reduce or terminate a student’s scholarship at any time, for any reason, without prior notice. On rare occasions, exceptions may be granted at the University’s discretion.

Additional Academic Scholarship Regulations

  • Eligibility for the Academic Merit Scholarship and Stallion Academic Excellence Award is reviewed once each year during the summer for renewal purposes. Students will be notified of their new institutional scholarship eligibility prior to the start of the fall semester.
  • The scholarship review process does not allow for appeals or exceptions.
  • To be eligible for scholarship review during the annual summer evaluation period, students must have completed at least 18 credit hours at NAU and meet the required cumulative grade point average (CGPA) at the time of evaluation. Students with fewer than 18 credit hours earned at NAU are not eligible for review and will retain their current scholarship award until the next annual summer evaluation period.
  • Students who meet or exceed the required CGPA will automatically qualify for renewal of their current Academic Merit Scholarship. If eligibility requirements are not met, the scholarship will be reduced by one level each evaluation period. However, these scholarships cannot be increased to a higher level, even if the student’s CGPA increases at a later evaluation period.
  • In addition to receiving an Academic Merit Scholarship, eligible students with a minimum 3.0 CGPA may be considered for a Stallion Academic Excellence Award (excluding recipients of the NAU Scholarship and International NAU Scholarship). These awards will increase or decrease based on the student’s CGPA and will be adjusted to the appropriate level each evaluation period.

Additional Athletic Scholarship Regulations

  • All U.S. resident students must demonstrate eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant as a condition of receiving a Tier I Athletic Scholarship. To establish eligibility, students are required to complete the FAFSA and submit all requested documentation. Only students who qualify for the Pell Grant will be considered eligible for the Tier I Athletic Scholarship. Scholarship funds will not be disbursed until eligibility is confirmed.
  • Students are not eligible for a refund/overpayment due to an athletic scholarship. If the combined total of a student’s institutional grants, academic scholarships, athletic scholarships, and Federal Pell Grant exceeds the student’s direct costs, the Tier I Athletic Scholarship will be reduced accordingly.
  • Athletic scholarships can only be awarded up to the remaining direct costs (i.e., tuition, fees, room, and board) due after applying the student’s institutional grant(s), academic scholarship(s), and Federal Pell Grant (if applicable). Federal Direct Loans are available to assist eligible students in covering indirect costs not billed by the University, such as books, transportation, and personal expenses.
  • Eligible students must satisfy all NAIA eligibility criteria, meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements, and maintain full-time enrollment to qualify for Athletic Scholarships. Scholarship renewal is subject to the discretion of the Athletics Department.
  • All student athletes must follow the University’s Student Code of Conduct. In the event of a criminal incident or conviction of a criminal offense prior to or during enrollment, the Athletics Office reserves the right to rescind the athletic scholarship.