About National University of Natural Medicine
Three-quarters of students receive financial aid, with 75% qualifying for Pell Grants. The median earnings one year after graduation hit $20,846, reflecting the reality that many graduates are still completing residencies or building private practices. With 58% of students taking federal loans, debt management becomes crucial given naturopathic medicine's longer path to financial stability compared to conventional healthcare careers.
Women make up 96% of the student body, creating a predominantly female learning environment unusual even in healthcare education. The quarter system allows for intensive, focused study periods that match the hands-on nature of naturopathic training. An 87.5% employment rate shows strong job prospects, though building a successful natural medicine practice often takes years of patient relationship-building.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 18.3%
- Carnegie Classification
- Associate College (High Career)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. | Master | $30,409 |
| Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems. | Doctoral | $24,679 |
Campus Life
Campus sits in Oregon's largest city, giving students access to Portland's well-known food scene and outdoor recreation within hours of mountains and coast. With such a small student body, traditional campus housing and weekend parties don't exist like at larger universities. Instead, students often gather for study groups focused on rigorous coursework in herbal medicine, clinical nutrition, and homeopathy. Many spend weekends at Portland's farmers markets sourcing ingredients for naturopathic remedies or hiking in nearby Forest Park. The quarter system keeps academic intensity high year-round. Clinical rotations later in the program connect students with Portland's alternative medicine community, where naturopathic doctors integrate with conventional healthcare providers more than in most other states.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1956
Campus Safety (2023)
5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–46°F
- July Avg
- 57°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 3.6%
- Women
- 96.4%
- White
- 46.4%
- Black
- 7.1%
- Hispanic
- 7.1%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 75.0%
Location
- Address
- Portland, Oregon 97201-4848
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student body size at National University of Natural Medicine?
The university enrolls just 28 students, making it one of the smallest specialized health institutions in the country. This tiny enrollment creates an intimate learning environment focused exclusively on naturopathic medicine and integrative health sciences. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in clinical training.
How much financial aid do students receive at National University of Natural Medicine?
Three-quarters of students receive financial aid, with 75% qualifying for federal Pell Grants. The median earnings one year after graduation are $20,846, reflecting the specialized nature of naturopathic medicine careers. Over half of students take federal loans to fund their education in this alternative medicine field.
What makes the academics unique at National University of Natural Medicine?
The school operates on a quarter system and focuses exclusively on naturopathic medicine and integrative health sciences training. Founded in 1956, it has built a reputation as a pioneer in natural medicine education. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio allows for intensive hands-on clinical experience in alternative healing practices.
What are the job prospects after graduating from National University of Natural Medicine?
The employment rate reaches 87.5% for graduates, though starting salaries are modest with median earnings of $20,846 one year out. Graduates typically enter the growing field of naturopathic medicine as licensed practitioners. The specialized training prepares students for careers in integrative health clinics and wellness centers.
Where is National University of Natural Medicine located?
The campus sits in Portland, Oregon, a city known for embracing alternative lifestyles and natural health approaches. Portland's large urban setting provides diverse clinical opportunities for naturopathic medicine students. The Pacific Northwest location aligns with the region's strong interest in well-rounded and environmental health practices.
Is National University of Natural Medicine primarily for women?
Women make up 96.43% of the student body, with men representing only 3.57% of enrollment. This extreme gender imbalance reflects broader trends in alternative medicine and natural health fields. The student population is 46.43% white, with meaningful representation from Black and Hispanic communities at 7.14% each.
