Step-by-step guide to financial aid for graduate students

Grad school is more affordable with the right support. Discover your funding options, find out what you qualify for, and follow these steps to maximize your aid at NAU.

Step 1: Know the important dates and deadlines

Use NAU’s financial aid dates and deadlines to stay organized and get the most out of the support available to you.

Learn the dates and deadlines

Step 2: Start with the FAFSA

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is your first and more important step. It’s how you unlock federal grants, work-study, and many scholarships.

Here are a few important things to know about completing your FAFSA:

  • You will file your FAFSA every year you are enrolled.
  • FAFSA opens for filing every October 1.
  • NAU’s priority deadline is April 15.
  • You can file your FAFSA before you're officially admitted to NAU.
  • Use NAU's school code: 001082.

If you’re not eligible to complete the FAFSA, you can file the CSS Profile using NAU school code 4006.

Learn more about FAFSA
Start your FAFSA now

Step 3: Estimate your total cost

Use our Net Price Calculator to get a personalized estimate of your tuition, fees, and potential scholarships based on your individual information.

Calculate your cost

Step 4: Review your financial aid offer

Once your aid has been awarded, log into LOUIE to see what you’ve received and following these important steps:

  • Accept or decline your Graduate Unsubsidized Loan under “Finances.”
  • If you need additional aid, apply for a Graduate PLUS Loan through StudentAid.gov (this one requires a separate application).
  • Complete entrance counseling and sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN) via StudentAid.gov to receive loan funds before classes start. (These will appear as tasks on your LOUIE To-Do List.)
Login to LOUIE

Step 5: Explore aid opportunities

Federal and state aid

Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP)

NAU is the first university in Arizona to offer the WRGP discount. Starting in fall 2026, with WRGP, all in-person master’s degrees qualify for up to 40% off tuition.

Graduate tuition scholarships

NAU provides students with graduate tuition scholarships based on merit, need, research focus, and academic department. Explore ways to fund your pursuit of a master's, doctoral, or professional degree.

Scholarships and specialized aid

Scholarships

Use ScholarshipUniverse to find and apply for graduate-specific scholarships. It matches you with opportunities based on your background and interests. For private scholarships, be sure checks from third-party donors arrive by July 1 (for fall) or Dec. 1 (for spring).

AmeriCorps

Turn your AmeriCorps service into college support. If you’ve earned a Segal Education Award, you can use it to help pay for your tuition or qualifying expenses at NAU.

Nursing program loans

Upper-level nursing students at NAU may qualify for dedicated nursing program loan funding to help with the cost of tuition and clinical training.

Aid for Indigenous Lumberjacks

Additional tuition coverage and aid for Indigenous students from Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes may be available at NAU’s Flagstaff and Statewide campuses.

Self-help opportunities

Work study

The Federal Work-Study program at NAU gives eligible students a chance to earn money and build experience.

Direct loans

Direct loans are federal student loans offered by the U.S. Department of Education to help eligible students cover the cost of higher education.

Federal PLUS loans

PLUS loans are federal loans designed to help cover college expenses when scholarships, grants, and other aid don’t cover the total bill.

Private loans

Private loans come from banks, credit unions, or other lenders, and should only be considered after you've explored all other financial aid options.

NAU student, Isaiah Raspet, smiles while chatting with his professor.

A few final reminders

Stay in the loop. Your LOUIE To Do List and NAU/personal email will have important reminders. Check them regularly.

Watch your deadlines. Financial aid and scholarship deadlines sneak up fast. Set reminders to stay ahead.

Know when aid arrives. Most aid is disbursed right before classes begin. Learn how and when you’ll receive your funds.

Keep your aid. Your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) status matters. Keep your grades up to stay eligible.

Haven’t applied to NAU yet?

You can still file the FAFSA now and apply to NAU when you're ready. The earlier you start, the more aid you might qualify for.

Have questions? We are here to help!

Incoming students: Contact Admissions at admissions@nau.edu or 928-523-5511.

Continuing students: Contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA) at financial.aid@nau.edu or 928-523-4951.