At $31,058/yr net price, National University graduates earn $67,548/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $33,548/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $31,058 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $124,232 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,548/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,548/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $30,678/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,956/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $84,653 | $40,950 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $84,367 | $33,928 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $83,505 | $23,388 |
| 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 | $33,712 |
| Public Administration. | Bachelor | $74,576 | $29,181 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $73,949 | $20,500 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $73,949 | $28,687 |
The Risk Factor
50.0% of students at National University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
National University delivers a mixed financial return that depends heavily on your program choice. The $67,548 median earnings after ten years provide a reasonable return on the $31,058 annual net price, but the 50% graduation rate creates significant financial risk.
Computer technology administration and nursing programs offer the strongest returns, with graduates earning over $84,000 annually. These technical fields align well with San Diego's healthcare and tech job markets. Educational administration also pays well at $83,505, though this typically requires additional experience beyond graduation. Construction engineering rounds out the top earners at $82,440.
The school's completion challenges pose the biggest financial threat. With only half of students graduating and a 54% retention rate, you face substantial odds of leaving with debt but no degree. This risk is particularly acute given the relatively high debt loads in top programs like computer technology, where graduates carry $40,950 in debt.
National University works best for career changers and working adults who need flexible scheduling and can commit to completion despite the university's structural challenges. The school's focus on practical, career-oriented programs makes sense if you're targeting specific fields like nursing or IT in the San Diego market.
Only 26% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based assistance. If you're considering National University, ensure you have a clear career path in a high-earning program and realistic plans for completing your degree. The financial return exists, but only if you actually graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is National University worth the cost?
National University's ROI is mixed, with graduates earning $67,548 annually against a net price of $31,058 per year. The 50% graduation rate means half of students don't complete their programs, which significantly increases the financial risk.
What are the best paying programs at National University?
Computer/Information Technology Administration ($84,653) and Nursing programs ($84,367) offer the strongest returns at National University. These programs earn about $17,000 more annually than the school average, making them financially viable options.
How much student debt do National University graduates have?
National University graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, this assumes successful graduation, which only happens for half of enrolled students.
Does National University have good financial aid?
With a net price of $31,058 annually, National University's costs remain high even after financial aid. Students should carefully evaluate whether their chosen program's earning potential justifies this expense, especially given the 50% graduation rate.