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. 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.
Similar Schools
Affordable Programs in South Dakota
College Planning Guides
About This Data
Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.