What is National American University Known For?
National American University is an accredited online university that has operated since 1941 and has offered online courses since 1996. Formerly known as the National School of Business, the institution pioneered online education development. It is known for its flexibility and convenience to students and the guided support and personal attention offered by their advisors.
National American University offers diploma programs, certificate programs, and Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in business, education, healthcare management, information technology, strategic security, and legal studies.
The institution has two campuses at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, and King’s Bay Naval Submarine Base, Georgia.
Is it Legit?
The Higher Learning Commission accredits National American University and has approved offering programs and courses through distance education in select states. The school is additionally registered with the Maryland Higher Education Commission and is authorized with conditions by the Kansas Board of Regents.
National American University boasts additional programmatic accreditation for their business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) and their paralegal studies Associate’s and Bachelor’s programs approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
National American University is additionally approved for veteran training and to administer various educational programs sponsored by state and federal agencies.
Is National American University Worth It?
National American University is a pioneer university in its field, which strives to create opportunities for and empower its students. The school innovatively transforms students’ futures, offering practical learning experiences in a caring and supportive environment for individuals of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and abilities.
National American University prepares students for success in competitive technical and professional fields while not skimping on student support, offering generous financial aid, flexible scheduling opportunities, and one-on-one, personal academic advising and career planning.
National American University vs. Community College
National American University provides a competitive and contemporary approach to education, offering students a competitive advantage through collaboration with individual ‘success teams.’ Students have full access to one-on-one meetings with enrollment advisors, financial service representatives, and student advisors, all of whom collaborate with students individually to establish personalized plans to meet their goals.
National American University additionally offers flexible scheduling for online programs built around students’ busy schedules, with online scheduling suitable for working adults, including active military, as well as other nontraditional students. Educators at National American University are dedicated and attentive, with qualifications and real-world experience in the field.
Students can regularly interact with their instructors in small settings, receiving individual support and guidance when needed. The institution also boasts a generous transfer credit policy and offers additional facilities such as an online library and career resources by phone, email, and online.
Acceptance Rate
National American University has an acceptance rate of 100%.
National American University Cost Per Year
Annual tuition costs at National American University are, on average, $10,260 per year. Specifically, undergraduate tuition ranges from $166 to $380 per credit hour, Master’s degree tuition ranges from $2,400 to $2,700 per course, and Doctoral education ranges from $720 to $800 per credit hour.
School Catalog
A copy of the school catalog can be found here.
School Hours
Online course content and resources are available to students 24/7. Additionally, the institution’s locations at Ellsworth Air Force Base and King’s Bay Naval Submarine Base are available 24/7 as well.
Programs & Courses
Aviation Management
- Aviation
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Human Resources
- Marketing
Computer and Information Technology
- Computer Systems Technician
- Networking
- Web Development
Construction and Architecture
- Construction
Criminal Justice and Law
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal
Healthcare Administration and Services
- Healthcare Management
- Medical Billing and Coding
Healthcare and Nursing
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Nursing
- Surgical Technologist
Campus Locations
Rapid City 4020 Jackson Blvd Suite 1 Rapid City, SD 57702
Financial Aid Services
Financial aid staff at NAU help students find ways to pay for their education. The school accepts grants, scholarships and low-interest loans on the state, federal and local levels. Some attendees may get tuition reimbursement through their work. Those qualified can also receive academic excellence awards to help with costs.
Student Services
Counselors at NAU create learning plans for each student. After graduating, alumni receive a regular newsletter from the school. They can serve as mentors for current enrollees and receive a 10% discount on any additional classes.
Career Services
NAU provides career resources for undergraduates, graduates, and alumni. Students can learn about internships and how to write effective resumes and cover letters. They also have access to online videos, handbooks and webinars with tips on interviewing and job searches.
Veteran and Military Services
At National American University, active duty service members, veterans and their families receive special benefits. Veterans enjoy free applications and a reduced tuition rate. The school also has a generous transfer policy that accepts credits military members earned during service.
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, National American University (NAU) Headquarters receives highly mixed feedback, with a significant divide between students praising the online learning support and graduates complaining about severe administrative and financial aid issues. The overall picture suggests an institution that works well for some non-traditional students but creates major financial and administrative headaches for others.
Overall Score: 3.2/5 Stars
Common Praises
Supportive and Understanding Instructors: Many reviewers, particularly those in online courses, praise the instructors for being “helpful and understandable,” willing to work with students one-on-one, and for their “phenomenal” expertise.
Accommodating for Non-Traditional Students: NAU is appreciated for offering a schedule, program, and resources that allow non-traditional, working students and those with families to achieve their degrees. One reviewer noted it made continuing college “completely” possible while working full-time.
Positive Learning Experience: Several students felt they received a “best education” and had a “wonderful experience.” The system is noted as not being “hard” once understood.
Good Advisors (Individual Cases): While general advisor service is heavily criticized, one student did single out “Emily Roberts” as “the best advisor ever.”
Common Criticisms
Financial Aid and Billing “Nightmare”: This is the most consistent and severe criticism. Multiple students complain that the Financial Aid office “WILL try to screw you over,” “screwed up financial aide,” and one was charged “way too much.” Another noted their out-of-pocket cost jumped from $250 to $3,000, and they had difficulty obtaining a detailed payment statement.
Poor Communication and Administrative Chaos: Many students report a general lack of support and communication, saying the school “will not call you back no matter how many times you call the Dean, your advisor or really anyone else.”
Unexpected Time Commitment/Misrepresentation: One review noted a class that was advertised as 12 weeks but turned out to be only 8 weeks, requiring 12 units of work in that shortened time with no clear documentation of the change.
Issues with Academic Rigor/Quality: Some students questioned the academic value, describing “teachers lecturing on how bad their lives were then actually learning” and the anatomy lab consisting only of “labeling on a computer,” never setting foot in a physical lab.
Momentum
The momentum for positive reviews seems to have peaked between 6 to 9 years ago, with the most recent negative reviews (8 months to 3 years ago) focusing on severe financial and administrative problems. The school owner frequently responds to both positive and negative feedback, often apologizing and stating they have “escalated this situation” to the appropriate director, or encouraging the student to email them directly. The recurring nature of the financial and communication complaints suggests these issues have been persistent over several years and continue to surface in recent feedback.