About National American University-Rapid City
Students pay an average net price of $22,086 after financial aid, with 57% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $37,325 ten years after starting school. The typical graduate leaves with $29,020 in debt and monthly loan payments of $308. Only 24% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans. The employment rate reaches 91.1%, but the earnings data suggests graduates may struggle to justify the cost of attendance.
The student body reflects unusual diversity for South Dakota. White students make up 43% of enrollment, while Black students represent 26% and Hispanic students 15%. Most students come from out of state, with only 6% being South Dakota residents. The 60% six-year graduation rate shows that completing programs takes persistence, as only 23% finish in four years.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 6:1
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 23.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.0%
- Retention Rate
- 66.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,325
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,133 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,357 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $51,722 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,109 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $41,205 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $40,551 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $39,832 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $36,938 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $36,077 |
Campus Life
The quarter system allows flexibility for the many students balancing work and school. With only 5.79% of students coming from in-state, the campus draws a diverse mix from across the country. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know your name. Weekends often involve exploring the nearby Black Hills or catching up on coursework, as many students work part-time jobs. The campus culture revolves around practical career preparation rather than traditional college social life. Students typically graduate with $29,020 in debt and earn a median of $37,325 ten years after graduation, reflecting the school's focus on immediate job skills over four-year degree traditions.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Quarter
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–37°F
- July Avg
- 61°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 75.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 49.2%
- Women
- 50.8%
- White
- 42.6%
- Black
- 26.1%
- Hispanic
- 15.9%
- Asian
- 1.3%
- In-State Students
- 5.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 57.1%
Location
- Address
- Rapid City, South Dakota 57701-2823
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,325
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,843
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 24.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $308/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $29,020
Frequently Asked Questions
How selective is National American University-Rapid City for admissions?
National American University-Rapid City operates as a for-profit career college with open admission policies for most programs. The school focuses on serving working adults and non-traditional students who need flexible scheduling options. Only 5.79% of students come from in-state, reflecting its appeal to students from across the region seeking career-focused education.
What does National American University-Rapid City cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $22,086 annually, regardless of residency status since tuition is $16,065 for all students. About 57% of students receive financial aid, though institutional grants are rare with less than 1% receiving them. Graduates typically leave with $29,020 in debt and monthly loan payments of $308.
What is the student experience like at National American University-Rapid City?
The school maintains small class sizes with a 6:1 student-faculty ratio across its 832-student enrollment. National American operates on a quarter system designed for working professionals who need accelerated, flexible programs. The campus serves a diverse student body with 42.55% White, 26.08% Black, and 15.87% Hispanic students.
How successful are graduates from National American University-Rapid City?
Graduates earn a median salary of $37,325 ten years after graduation, with strong immediate employment prospects at 91.1%. The school achieves a 60% six-year graduation rate, though only 23.08% graduate in four years due to its focus on part-time and working students. The loan repayment rate of 24.21% reflects challenges some graduates face with debt management.
Where is National American University-Rapid City located and what's the campus like?
The campus sits in Rapid City, South Dakota, a small city that serves as a regional center near the Black Hills. The urban setting provides access to internships and jobs while maintaining a manageable cost of living. The quarter-based calendar system allows students to complete programs faster than traditional semester schools.
Does National American University-Rapid City have good retention rates?
The school maintains a 66.67% first-year retention rate, which reflects the challenges many working adult students face in balancing education with other responsibilities. National American specializes in career-focused programs designed for students who may start and stop their education based on life circumstances. The flexible scheduling accommodates students who might otherwise drop out of traditional programs.
