About National University
Students pay an average net price of $31,058 after financial aid, though only 26% receive federal aid. Graduates earn a median of $67,548 ten years after leaving school. The typical debt load hits $25,000 with monthly payments around $265. This creates a reasonable debt-to-income ratio for most graduates. The employment rate reaches 94% within six years of graduation.
The school struggles with retention, keeping only 54% of students from year to year. The six-year graduation rate sits at 50%, reflecting the challenges many working adult students face balancing education with other responsibilities. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to professors. Most students are California residents, with 83% coming from in-state.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 10.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 44.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 50.0%
- Retention Rate
- 53.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $67,548
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $84,653 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $84,367 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $83,505 |
| Construction Engineering. | Bachelor | $82,440 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $81,333 |
| Manufacturing Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,343 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $75,989 |
| Public Administration. | Bachelor | $74,576 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $73,949 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $73,949 |
Campus Life
San Diego's year-round 70-degree weather means you'll need sunscreen, not snow boots. The university has multiple campuses scattered throughout the city rather than one central quad. Most students commute since the school focuses on accessibility for working professionals. Weekend life revolves around San Diego's beaches, Balboa Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter downtown rather than campus activities. The 53% retention rate reflects the challenging balance many students face between work, family, and accelerated academics. Study groups often meet at coffee shops or online rather than in dorms. This isn't the traditional college experience of football games and Greek life, but rather a practical path designed for students reshaping their careers.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Other
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1971
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 46°–67°F
- July Avg
- 64°–79°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 11.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.7%
- Women
- 53.3%
- White
- 29.8%
- Black
- 15.7%
- Hispanic
- 33.0%
- Asian
- 7.1%
- In-State Students
- 83.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.5%
Location
- Address
- San Diego, California 92123
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $67,548
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $73,353
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $51,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 49.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the graduation rate at National University?
National University has a 44% four-year graduation rate and 50% six-year graduation rate. The university operates on a unique month-long course format that allows working adults to complete degrees more flexibly. With a 53.85% retention rate, the school serves many non-traditional students balancing education with careers.
How much does National University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at National University is $31,058, with tuition set at $13,320 for all students regardless of residency. Only 25.53% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the school's focus on affordable base tuition. Students typically graduate with $25,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $265.
What is the student-faculty ratio at National University?
National University maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its 9,725 enrolled students. The university pioneered the one-course-per-month model in higher education, allowing students to focus intensively on single subjects. This format particularly appeals to working professionals seeking to advance their careers while maintaining employment.
What are the employment outcomes at National University?
Graduates achieve a 93.7% employment rate with median earnings of $67,548 ten years after graduation. The university has built strong connections with San Diego employers, particularly in business and healthcare fields. Students earn $66,420 just one year after graduating, reflecting the practical focus of the programs.
Where is National University's campus located?
National University sits in San Diego, California, serving a diverse student body that is 83.33% in-state residents. The student population is 32.95% Hispanic, 29.77% White, and 15.66% Black, reflecting San Diego's multicultural community. The large city setting provides internship and job opportunities across multiple industries.
Does National University serve traditional college students?
National University was founded in 1971 specifically to serve adult learners and working professionals through its modern scheduling system. The university operates on a calendar system different from traditional semesters, with courses running year-round in month-long sessions. This format allows students to complete degrees while maintaining full-time careers and family responsibilities.
