This guide explains everything you need to know about the NAU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, including how to apply, important deadlines, eligibility requirements, and tips for maximizing your funding opportunities.
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What Is the NAU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid?
The NAU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid is the department responsible for administering financial aid programs offered at Northern Arizona University. They help students:
- Apply for scholarships
- Complete the FAFSA or state aid applications
- Understand grants, loans, and federal aid programs
- Access merit-based and need-based financial support
- Receive guidance on aid requirements and disbursement
NAU’s financial aid team works with both new and returning students to ensure they receive the maximum amount of funding they qualify for.
Types of Financial Aid Offered at NAU
NAU provides a wide range of funding opportunities. Here is a breakdown of the major categories.
1. NAU Scholarships
NAU offers numerous scholarships for incoming freshmen, transfer students, graduate students, and continuing students. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership, community involvement, or program of study.
Popular NAU Scholarships Include:
- Lumberjack Scholars Award — full tuition scholarship for qualifying Arizona residents
- President’s Scholarship — awarded to high-achieving incoming students
- Blue and Gold Scholarship — merit-based award for non-resident students
- College-specific scholarships such as engineering, business, nursing, and education
Most scholarships require students to maintain a minimum GPA and meet annual credit completion requirements.
2. Grants
Grants are a form of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. NAU students may qualify for federal, state, or institutional grants.
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
- Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Grant
- NAU institutional need-based grants
3. Federal and Private Loans
Loans provide additional financial support that must be repaid after graduation or when you cease enrollment. NAU students can access:
- Federal Direct Subsidized Loans
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- Parent PLUS Loans
- Graduate PLUS Loans
- Private education loans
The NAU financial aid office helps students understand loan terms, interest rates, and repayment options.
4. Work-Study Opportunities
Work-study allows students to earn money through campus jobs or approved community positions. This program helps reduce student debt while offering valuable work experience.
How to Apply for Financial Aid at NAU
Applying for financial aid is a step-by-step process. Here is the complete guide to ensure you don’t miss any important steps.
Step 1: Complete the FAFSA
All students seeking financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). NAU uses FAFSA information to determine eligibility for federal aid, state aid, and many institutional scholarships.
NAU FAFSA School Code: 001082
It’s recommended to submit the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize aid eligibility.
Step 2: Apply for NAU Scholarships
Students must create an account in NAU’s scholarship portal to apply for institutional and private scholarships.
Most scholarships require:
- A personal statement
- Recommendation letters
- Academic transcripts
- FAFSA completion (for need-based awards)
Step 3: Submit Additional Documents
Some students may be selected for verification. NAU may request documents such as:
- Tax returns
- W-2 forms
- Household information
- Proof of dependency status
Submit required documents promptly to avoid processing delays.
Step 4: Review Your Award Letter
Once your FAFSA and documents are processed, NAU will send an award notification. This letter outlines your scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study availability.
Step 5: Accept or Decline Awards
Students must log in to their NAU student portal to accept or decline specific awards, especially loans.
Step 6: Maintain Eligibility
To continue receiving aid, students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements:
- Maintain a minimum GPA
- Complete at least 67% of attempted credits
- Stay within the maximum timeframe for their program
Important NAU Financial Aid Deadlines
- FAFSA priority deadline: Varies yearly (typically early spring)
- Scholarship applications: Late winter or early spring
- Verification documents: As soon as requested
- Loan acceptance deadlines: Before the start of each semester
Submitting early increases your chances of receiving maximum aid.
Tips to Maximize Your NAU Financial Aid
- Submit the FAFSA as soon as it opens
- Apply for both NAU and external scholarships
- Meet all NAU SAP requirements
- Renew your FAFSA each academic year
- Contact NAU’s financial aid office for personalized guidance
Contact Information for NAU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
If you have questions or need support, NAU’s financial aid staff can help guide you through the process.
- Office: NAU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Website: nau.edu/financial-aid/
- Phone: Available through NAU student services
- Email: Through the official NAU contact portal
FAQs — NAU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
1. Does NAU offer full scholarships?
Yes. Programs like the Lumberjack Scholars Award cover full tuition for qualifying Arizona residents.
2. Do I need the FAFSA for NAU scholarships?
Not all scholarships require FAFSA, but many need-based awards do. Submitting the FAFSA increases your chances of receiving more aid.
3. Can international students receive financial aid at NAU?
International students are eligible for institutional scholarships but not federal financial aid.
4. How long does NAU financial aid processing take?
Processing time varies but typically takes a few weeks after FAFSA submission.
5. Does NAU offer work-study?
Yes. Eligible students can work part-time on or off campus to help pay educational expenses.