Northern Arizona University

Hi - I got such great responses with my last question, I thought I'd try another. Does anyone have any experience with Northern Arizona University? Do they have a decent reputation? Thanks!

[suzanne4, RN]

Good reputation but extremely cold in the winter. Snow chains are required for your tires, etc. Way too cold for me.

[KasiLynn]

Thanks! I think I'm okay with cold. Hmmm. But, something to think about.

[suzanne4, RN]

Not little cold, but extremely cold. I grew up in Michigan and used to ski everyday when I was younger and there is no way that I would live up there in the winter. Used to work up there in the summer and that time of year if great. Remember that Flagstaff is at 7,000 feel elevation.

[KasiLynn]

That does put things into perspective. Thanks for the info.

[opuschick]

Hey. I went to NAU for a year in 2000. I was actually a biology major at the time. I've lived in Phoenix all my life so I figured it would be great to get away from the heat, but I didn't care for it. There isn't a lot to do up there. Plus, I rushed a sorority which, if you're in hard classes, isn't the greatest thing to do because DRAMA is everywhere. If you love the cold, then it'll be a beautiful school to go to, but I ended up going to visit my friends back in Phoenix every weekend. Oh, and if you're wondering about the nursing program, a couple of my friends graduated from there, but they didn't like the program. It was mainly the teachers that made it awful for the students and you have only one hospital for all of your clinicals. They told me to just stay in the heat and head to ASU for nursing. Hope this helps a tad!!

[KasiLynn]

Thanks for the tips. The reason I was steering away from ASU was because of the required two year work agreement with the local hospital (then your tuition is paid, but there appears to be no option to pay tuition and not sign up for the two years). Have you heard about that? What do you think? Thanks!

[opuschick]

Actually, I went to ASU and received my bachelors in biology and a minor in chemistry. I'm starting the nursing program at Boswell Hospital in the Fall with Mesa CC. I figure, I feel like a professional student, so I'm going for two more years and that's it for a while, and then I'll probably go to ASU to get my BSN. So, I don't know anything about the nursing program at ASU, but I did take my patho class with some gals who were going to ASU, and they didn't mention anything about the two year required work agreement. I don't know what to tell ya.

[suzanne4, RN]

I don't beleive that that is a requirement for all students. Just the ones that enroll in the specific program set up by these hospitals. This goes on in many other citieis now, even where I currently am. The school still has its regular program, then the one where the tuition is paid for by the hospital.

Have you actually spoken to someone at the school? I can't see every graduate being required to remain in Arizona for two years. That definitely doesn't make sense.

[KasiLynn]

Hi - Yeah, I called them (ASU) the other day and asked about tuition. That is when they told me about the work commitment. I asked if a person could just pay the tuition and not commit, and they said "No." I never know when just talking to one person if they are actually correct or just winging it. So, I am taking it as tentative. I would want to speak to someone else to confirm. By the way, I would be getting a second bachelor's...I don't know if that makes a difference in their requirement.

Edit: Okay, this is strange. I just looked up ASU again, and now I see their tuition rates. Maybe I've mixed up schools...I just looked at my notes. I guess I had called University of Arizona...they are the ones with the time/work commitment. Wow, I'm glad I checked on that. Now I can factor Arizona State back into my possibilities. And, it looks like ASU has a second bachelor's option. Whew. This message board is coming in handy.

[Curious1alwys, BSN, RN]

Sorry, there is no work committment to go to school at ASU. I just met with advisors there not too long ago. Yes, there are requirements to get into the program, but you can just go along and pay your tuition like any other school. I don't know where you are getting this 2 year committment from. Maybe a scholarship or something with a local hospital?? Jeez, if what you were thinking was the case, I don't think many people would graduate from their nursing programs! I know I don't like to HAVE TO do anything!!!:)

[KasiLynn]

Sorry, there is no work committment to go to school at ASU. I just met with advisors there not too long ago. Yes, there are requirements to get into the program, but you can just go along and pay your tuition like any other school. I don't know where you are getting this 2 year committment from. Maybe a scholarship or something with a local hospital?? Jeez, if what you were thinking was the case, I don't think many people would graduate from their nursing programs! I know I don't like to HAVE TO do anything!!!:)

Sorry guys - I messed up. I'm not from Arizona and am getting the schools mixed up. I think it is the University of Arizona that has the two year commitment, not Arizona State. And, I agree, I also don't like to "have" to do anything. I like my flexibility. Thanks again for your help. By the way, are people happy with their experiences at ASU? :)