National American University-Centennial

About National American University-Centennial

National American University-Centennial operates as a small campus serving working adults in the Denver metropolitan area who seek flexible pathways to career advancement. Located in the suburban community of Centennial, Colorado, this for-profit institution focuses on practical degree programs designed around the schedules of students who juggle work, family, and education. With approximately 140 students and an acceptance rate around 65%, the campus provides personalized attention in an accessible environment. The university's mission centers on serving non-traditional students who may have started college years ago, those returning to education after time in the workforce, and professionals seeking credentials to advance in their careers. Class schedules accommodate working adults with evening, weekend, and online options that make completing a degree possible without leaving employment. The small campus size means students receive individual attention from faculty and staff who understand the challenges adult learners face. National American University has campuses across multiple states, with the Centennial location serving as one access point in the Denver area. The focus on applied learning means coursework connects directly to workplace skills, with programs in business, healthcare, and information technology that respond to regional employer needs. Students often bring years of professional experience to their studies, enriching classroom discussions and learning from peers as well as instructors.

National American University-Centennial maintains an open enrollment philosophy that removes many barriers faced by non-traditional students. The acceptance rate around 65% reflects a process designed to give opportunities to students who demonstrate motivation and readiness for college-level work, regardless of how long ago they completed high school. Admissions counselors work individually with prospective students to assess their goals and identify the right program path. Applicants complete an application that gathers educational history and professional background. Official high school transcripts or GED documentation are required, and students with previous college credits can submit those transcripts for evaluation. Transfer credits are assessed generously, recognizing that adult learners often bring coursework from multiple institutions completed over many years. Prior learning assessment may award credit for professional experience and certifications relevant to program requirements. The admissions process includes counseling sessions where staff help prospective students understand program requirements, time commitments, and financial options. Financial aid through federal programs is available to qualifying students, and the admissions office helps students navigate the FAFSA process. For working adults, the university emphasizes transparency about costs and realistic timelines for degree completion. Students can typically begin programs at multiple points throughout the year rather than waiting for traditional semester starts.

National American University-Centennial offers associate and bachelor's degrees in fields designed to advance careers in business, healthcare, and technology. Business administration programs cover management, accounting, and human resources topics that prepare graduates for supervisory and administrative roles. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills that students can apply immediately in their workplaces, connecting classroom learning to professional challenges. Healthcare programs prepare students for roles in medical offices, hospitals, and healthcare systems. Medical administrative assistant and health information technology programs address the growing need for trained professionals who understand both healthcare and office management. These programs combine classroom instruction with practical experience that builds competencies employers seek. Information technology programs provide foundations in computer systems, networking, and technical support that prepare graduates for entry-level IT positions or advancement in technical careers. The programs recognize that technology skills require both theoretical understanding and hands-on practice. Faculty members typically bring professional experience from industry, understanding the real-world contexts where students will apply their learning. The academic calendar and course scheduling accommodate working adults, with evening and weekend classes supplemented by online options. Students can maintain employment while progressing toward degrees, though the pace of completion depends on how many courses they can manage alongside other responsibilities. Academic support services help students who may be returning to classroom learning after years away from formal education.

Key Highlights

• Dedicated to academic excellence
• Suburban campus with easy access to city resources
• Strong focus on undergraduate education
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at National American University-Centennial reflects the institution's focus on working adults rather than traditional-age students. The campus operates primarily as a place of learning rather than a social hub, with students arriving for classes and departing to jobs and families afterward. This practical orientation suits students whose lives center on responsibilities beyond education. The small campus size creates opportunities for connection among students who share similar life circumstances. Classmates often form study groups and support networks, sharing strategies for balancing school with work and family. Faculty members understand the challenges adult learners face and typically offer flexibility when students encounter conflicts between school and other obligations. Career services support students in connecting their education to employment goals. Resume assistance, interview preparation, and job search resources help students translate their degrees into career advancement. For students already employed, career services can help with strategies for discussing educational credentials with current employers or preparing for promotional opportunities. The suburban location provides parking and accessibility that matter for students who drive to campus between work and home. While the campus lacks the recreational facilities and social programming of traditional universities, it provides the practical necessities that working adults need: classrooms, computer labs, library resources, and quiet study spaces. Students appreciate the efficiency of an environment designed around their constraints.

Location & Surroundings

Centennial occupies a suburban position in the Denver metropolitan area, south of the city center with easy access to major highways that make commuting manageable from communities throughout the region. The campus location reflects the practical needs of working adult students who drive to classes from workplaces and homes spread across the metro area. Ample parking and highway accessibility remove transportation as a barrier to education. The Denver area provides a strong job market that connects to the programs offered at the campus. Business, healthcare, and technology employers throughout the region create opportunities for students to apply their learning and advance their careers. The regional economy has grown steadily, with particular strength in healthcare, technology, and professional services that align with the university's program offerings. The suburban setting means students access restaurants and services typical of commercial corridors rather than the cultural amenities of urban centers. Denver's downtown, cultural institutions, and entertainment venues are accessible by car for those seeking urban experiences. The Colorado lifestyle emphasizing outdoor recreation is available to those who find time beyond work, school, and family responsibilities. For students whose lives center on the south Denver suburbs, the Centennial location eliminates the need to commute into the city for education. The campus serves its region, providing higher education access where students already live and work rather than requiring them to travel to distant campuses.

Costs & Career Outcomes

National American University-Centennial serves students who need flexibility, accessibility, and direct connection between education and career advancement. If you are working full-time, raising a family, or managing other adult responsibilities, the university's schedule and format accommodate your constraints. You can maintain employment while earning credentials that open doors to new opportunities. The financial picture requires careful consideration. As a for-profit institution, tuition costs differ from public universities, and students should understand the total investment required for degree completion. Federal financial aid is available to qualifying students, and the admissions office can help you understand options and realistic costs. Comparing the investment against potential career returns helps you make informed decisions about whether this path makes sense for your situation. The practical orientation means your coursework connects directly to workplace skills. Business programs prepare you for management roles, healthcare programs lead to positions in medical offices and hospitals, and technology programs build foundations for IT careers. Faculty members with industry experience understand what employers need and can help you develop relevant competencies. If you have tried traditional college and found it incompatible with your life circumstances, if you need evening and weekend options, if you want to maintain employment while earning a degree, National American University-Centennial offers a path forward. The question to answer honestly is whether the investment in time and money will generate the career returns that make the effort worthwhile for your specific situation.