Financial Aid and Credit Options
Financial Aid
PRLEA students who are enrolled for university credit may be eligible for financial aid through the University. The NAU PRLEA also accepts payments through the GI Bill and can contact the Director for further information. All students, credit and non-credit, are eligible to receive one of two scholarship awards, granted at graduation. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of performance during the academy.
McGinn-Axelsen Award
- Brent McGinn was the Chief Ranger at Glen Canyon National Monument in 2010. Laurie Axelsen was the Dangling Rope District Ranger. Both were tragically killed in an off-duty aircraft accident in October, 2010. This cash award embodies the characteristics of excellence, integrity, hard work, and pride in performance exemplified by McGinn and Axelsen. It is the “Best in Class” award.
The McIlwaine Scholarship Award
- This cash award is given each semester by the The Charles and Joanne McIlwaine Foundation and recognizes a student who exhibits excellent performance during the academy.
Credit Options
Since 1998, more than 1,000 students, have completed this Program.
Outcome of completing the Academy
This training program is designed to prepare the student to become a seasonal law enforcement ranger commissioned to perform law enforcement in areas administered by the National Park Service (NPS). Upon graduating from the Program, student’s receive a “Certificate of Completion” issued by the National Park Service (NPS). This certificate is also recognized by certain other law enforcement agencies. Successful graduates will be eligible to receive a Type II Seasonal Law Enforcement Commission, issued by the appropriate park superintendent. This commission enables the bearer to carry firearms, make arrests, investigate violations of the Code of Federal Regulations, investigate motor vehicle accidents (excluding fatalities), take initial reports on felonies and fatalities and assist in the follow-up investigations under the supervision and direction of an employee with Permanent Type 1 law enforcement authority and serve subpoenas and assist in the serving of a warrant under the immediate direction of an employee with Permanent Type 1 law enforcement authority.
The PRLEA Program is offered with the following options:
- College Credit Option: 12 credit hours that can be used towards a Minor in Natural Resource Law Enforcement. This is the preferred option for students that are working toward a degree or that may be considering a degree. This option requires university admission and the cost is the current full-time tuition rate.
- University Certificate Option: Individuals are able to enroll at Northern Arizona University and apply for the UCERT which is the PRLEA plus PRM 216 or another Wilderness First Responder Course for a total of 15 Credit Hours
- Non-Credit Option: This option is best for individuals that have already completed an undergraduate degree. The program fee is $8,500
Some students pursue a Parks and Recreation Management Bachelor of Science degree in conjunction with the PRLEA.
Please see this webpage for more detailed information about credit options.
You can also contact Alison Tita, Academic Advisor: email, 928-523-7968
The credit option and University Certificate is the only approved option for GI Bill® education benefits. Refer to this webpage for more information or call 928-523-8387.
Course descriptions:
Additional Course Offerings at NAU for career development (Check with NAU advising for current offerings)
PRM 203- Introduction to White Water Rafting
PRM 102- Swiftwater Rescue
PRM 103- Introduction to Rock Climbing
PRM 210- Introduction to Kayaking
PRM 212- Basic Safety Systems
PRM 214- Challenge Course Facilitator
PRM 218- Outdoor Survival Skills
PRM 221- Introduction to Orienteering
PRM 225- Avalanche Training Level- One
Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy and NAU-LETA 