University of Arizona vs. Northern Arizona University: A Comprehensive Comparison

Academics and Rankings

The University of Arizona (UArizona) and Northern Arizona University (NAU) are both highly reputable institutions of higher education in the state of Arizona. UArizona is a public land-grant research university with a long history of academic excellence, while NAU is a public research university known for its strong undergraduate programs.

Rankings:

• US News & World Report: UArizona ranks 117th among national universities, while NAU ranks 270th.
• Forbes: UArizona ranks 124th among public universities, while NAU ranks 180th.
• Washington Monthly: UArizona ranks 92nd among national universities, while NAU ranks 300th.

Faculty and Research:

UArizona has a larger faculty size and research budget than NAU. In 2020, UArizona had over 3,000 faculty members and a research budget of $640 million, while NAU had over 1,000 faculty members and a research budget of $130 million. UArizona is home to several renowned research centers, including the BIO5 Institute for Translational Research and the University of Arizona Cancer Center.

Programs and Majors:

Both UArizona and NAU offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. UArizona offers over 150 undergraduate majors and 100 graduate programs, while NAU offers over 100 undergraduate majors and 50 graduate programs. UArizona has a particularly strong reputation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, while NAU is known for its programs in health sciences, education, and business.

Student Life

Campus Culture:

UArizona has a larger and more diverse student body than NAU. In fall 2021, UArizona had an enrollment of over 43,000 students, while NAU had an enrollment of over 30,000 students. UArizona has a more urban campus located in Tucson, while NAU has a more rural campus located in Flagstaff.

Student Activities:

Both UArizona and NAU offer a wide range of student activities, including clubs, organizations, and sports programs. UArizona has over 500 student clubs and organizations, while NAU has over 250 clubs and organizations. Both universities have Division I athletic programs in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

Housing and Dining:

UArizona offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional dorms, apartments, and suites. NAU also offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including dorms, townhouses, and apartments. Both universities have a variety of dining options on campus, including dining halls, cafes, and restaurants.

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition and Fees:

Tuition and fees at UArizona are higher than at NAU. For in-state students, tuition and fees at UArizona are around $12,000 per year, while at NAU they are around $10,000 per year. For out-of-state students, tuition and fees at UArizona are around $35,000 per year, while at NAU they are around $25,000 per year.

Financial Aid:

Both UArizona and NAU offer a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. In 2020-2021, UArizona awarded over $200 million in financial aid to its students, while NAU awarded over $100 million in financial aid to its students.

Location and Weather

Location:

UArizona is located in Tucson, a city of over 500,000 people. NAU is located in Flagstaff, a city of over 70,000 people. Tucson is located in the Sonoran Desert, while Flagstaff is located in the Colorado Plateau.

Weather:

Tucson has a hot desert climate, with average high temperatures in the summer exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Flagstaff has a milder climate, with average high temperatures in the summer in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Flagstaff also receives more snowfall than Tucson, with an average of over 100 inches per year.

Notable Alumni

Both UArizona and NAU have produced many notable alumni who have gone on to have successful careers in a variety of fields. Some notable UArizona alumni include:

• Gabrielle Giffords: Former U.S. Representative for Arizona’s 8th congressional district
• Jerry Colangelo: Former general manager of the Phoenix Suns and USA Basketball
• Linda Ronstadt: Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter

Some notable NAU alumni include:

• Cindy McCain: Former U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh and widow of John McCain
• Jan Brewer: Former Governor of Arizona
• Jeff Gordon: Four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion

Which University is Right for You?

The decision of which university to attend is a personal one. Both UArizona and NAU are excellent institutions of higher education with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Consider your academic interests, financial situation, and lifestyle preferences when making your decision.

Table 1: University of Arizona vs. Northern Arizona University – Key Facts

Table 2: University of Arizona vs. Northern Arizona University – Academic Rankings

Table 3: University of Arizona vs. Northern Arizona University – Student Life

Table 4: University of Arizona vs. Northern Arizona University – Notable Alumni