About National American University
Opening in 1941, National American University began by offering business courses to a class of 13 students. Since that time, the university has grown and expanded its program offerings. A pioneer in distance education, NAU now offers online certificate, diploma, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.
National American University online is flexible and personalized. In fact, it’s specifically for working adults, active military, and nontraditional students’ needs. Each student has the support of enrollment and student advisors, and financial services representatives to meet specific goals. NAU online degrees offer various disciplines relevant to today’s job market. For example, business, education, healthcare, IT, and legal studies.
Benefits of National American University online programs:
- Generous transfer policy
- Tiered tuition lowers cost-per-credit
- Financial aid and scholarships
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Accreditation & Licensing
National American University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, Private for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
247Fully Online Graduate Students:
100%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$29,020Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
59%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$5,645Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesNational American University offers a paced path that can be easier to finish while working. A common load is two courses at a time, and that workload can stay manageable. Classes also allow some short work-ahead room, so progress does not depend on last-minute scheduling. The format is structured, though, with weekly due dates that keep terms moving.
Cost outcomes are more uneven. Tuition expectations and aid outcomes do not always line up, including cases where a class expected at "$700" later showed a balance of a little over 3k$. There are also reports of unexpected balances and heavy debt pressure, including one account calling the degree a "$38,000" loss. Time-to-completion can work well here, but total cost experience varies.
At National American University, advisor support is a clear strength. Financial aid and student success advisors are described as excellent, reliable, and on top of things.
Students also describe advising as understanding and helpful when questions come up. That steady follow-through gives people a clear place to go for help.
Instructor response speed can vary by class, which can affect deadline timing. Even so, many students say teachers are there to help and keep them moving.
NAU online classes follow a weekly rhythm. You can work ahead in parts. But weekly deadlines still drive each class. Discussion posts are due that week.
Late discussion work is not accepted. This setup fits busy adults and military-affiliated learners. The pace is flexible in timing, not fully self-paced. A two-course load can feel manageable.
Structure stays firm across the term. Practicum planning can take extra coordination, especially after moving states, even when completion is handled online.
At National American University, classes follow a clear weekly rhythm. Discussion work is due each week, which helps students stay on track. Some assignments can be finished early, so the format feels structured but still flexible.
A two-course load can work well for adults with jobs and family duties. Teaching quality can vary by class. Many instructors are supportive and motivating, while slower replies near deadlines can make some weeks tougher.
Classmates are often described as kind and respectful, which helps create a positive learning space. Overall, the classroom experience is organized and built on regular participation. Students who stay engaged each week are in a strong position to do well.
National American University can work well for students who keep a steady weekly routine. The schedule is flexible in useful ways. Many students take lighter course loads, such as two classes at a time. You can often do part of the week’s work early.
Deadlines are still firm, especially for discussion posts. Advising is a strong part of the student experience. Financial aid and student success advisors are often helpful and engaged. In other offices, service can be less steady.
Billing and refund follow-through may vary, so clear records and quick follow-up matter. Classroom experience depends on the instructor. Some teachers are motivating, clear, and supportive. Others may be slower to respond near deadlines.
Cost is an important part of planning here. Students should map out aid, credits, pace, and total time to finish so the path stays manageable.
National American University can work well for students who keep a steady weekly routine. The schedule is flexible in useful ways. Many students take lighter course loads, such as two classes at a time. You can often do part of the week’s work early.
Deadlines are still firm, especially for discussion posts. Advising is a strong part of the student experience. Financial aid and student success advisors are often helpful and engaged. In other offices, service can be less steady.
Billing and refund follow-through may vary, so clear records and quick follow-up matter. Classroom experience depends on the instructor. Some teachers are motivating, clear, and supportive. Others may be slower to respond near deadlines.
Cost is an important part of planning here. Students should map out aid, credits, pace, and total time to finish so the path stays manageable.
Online Programs offered by National American University
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Business
Computer Science & IT
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
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Frequently Asked Questions About National American University
Is National American University accredited?
Yes. National American University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does National American University offer?
National American University offers 90 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does National American University offer?
National American University offers programs from associate and bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at National American University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is National American University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, National American University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at National American University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask National American University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most National American University programs require?
Most listed programs require at least a 2.0 GPA, with requirements generally ranging from 2.0 to 3.2.
Is National American University military friendly?
National American University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from National American University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for National American University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score, Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does National American University accept life experience credit?
National American University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are National American University programs fully online or mixed?
National American University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does National American University offer?
National American University has online program options in areas such as Business, Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, Art & Liberal Arts, and Computer Science & IT; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any National American University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
Are any admission tests required for National American University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at National American University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any National American University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at National American University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For National American University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare National American University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
National American University is featured in 17 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
National American University is located in South Dakota
South Dakota at a Glance:

Top Majors in South Dakota:
Top Incentives in South Dakota:
- South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship: Up to $6,500 total
Top Career Pathways in South Dakota:
- Entry Level: Farm Manager ($45,000)
- Mid Level: Agricultural Director ($75,000)
- Senior Level: Operations Executive ($120,000+)
- Required Education: BS Agricultural Business
- Certifications: CCA, CPAg


















