At $22,086/yr net price, National American University-Rapid City graduates earn $37,325/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,325/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,086 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,344 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,325/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,325/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 26.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $29,020 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,086/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,133 | $38,049 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,357 | $16,905 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $51,722 | $32,001 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,109 | $28,458 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $27,525 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $41,205 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $40,551 | $13,456 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $39,832 | $32,805 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $36,938 | $27,986 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $36,077 | $17,010 |
The Risk Factor
60.0% of students at National American University-Rapid City graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
National American University-Rapid City delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $37,325 ten years after graduation against $29,020 in debt. The numbers get worse when you consider the $22,086 annual price tag means you're paying premium rates for below-average outcomes.
Nursing stands as the clear exception, with graduates earning $52,000-$56,000 annually. Even with higher debt loads reaching $38,000, nursing majors see genuine return on investment. Business administration shows mixed results, with some graduates reaching $51,700 while others plateau at $45,100, making it a risky bet given the debt burden.
The school's 60% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their degree while still carrying debt. The 67% retention rate signals early warning signs that students struggle with either academics or finances.
You should consider NAU-Rapid City only if you're committed to nursing and can secure substantial financial aid. The regional job market in western South Dakota limits opportunities, making the school's career services and local connections critical for placement.
For everyone else, the math doesn't work. Accounting graduates earn just $42,682 against $27,525 in debt, creating a barely positive return. Most other programs show even weaker outcomes. If you're not entering healthcare, community college followed by transfer or attending a lower-cost public university will deliver better financial results.
With 57% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves maximizing federal aid and seriously questioning whether any program outside nursing justifies the expense at this institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is National American University-Rapid City worth the cost?
With graduates earning $37,325 ten years after enrollment and typical debt of $29,020, the return on investment is below average for most programs. Only nursing graduates see strong earnings that justify the costs.
What are the best paying programs at National American University-Rapid City?
Nursing programs offer the strongest returns, with graduates earning $52,000-$56,000 annually. Business and accounting graduates earn $42,000-$51,000, which provides modest returns given the school's costs.
How much debt do National American University-Rapid City graduates typically have?
The median debt is $29,020, which represents about 78% of typical first-year earnings for graduates. This debt-to-income ratio is manageable for nursing graduates but challenging for lower-earning programs.
What is the graduation rate at National American University-Rapid City?
The graduation rate is 60%, meaning 4 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. Students who don't graduate still accumulate debt without receiving the credential needed for career advancement.