National University

About National University

National University stands as one of California's largest private nonprofit institutions, serving nearly 10,000 students from its San Diego headquarters. Founded in 1971 by retired Navy Captain David Chigos, the university was built on a revolutionary idea: that working adults deserve the same quality education as traditional students, just delivered in a way that fits their lives. The four-week, one-course-at-a-time format that National pioneered has since been adopted by numerous institutions across the country, but National remains the gold standard for this intensive learning model. The university operates multiple campuses throughout California and Nevada, though its San Diego location serves as the flagship. Students here are typically older than at traditional universities, with an average age in the mid-30s, and most balance their studies with careers and family responsibilities. The faculty consists largely of working professionals who bring real-world experience directly into the classroom, creating an educational environment where theory meets practice in every lecture. National has built particularly strong programs in education, nursing, and business, with thousands of California teachers and healthcare workers holding National degrees. The university's military-friendly reputation runs deep, stemming from its founder's Navy background, and it consistently ranks among the top choices for veterans pursuing higher education. This commitment to serving nontraditional students has shaped every aspect of how National operates, from course scheduling to student support services.

Getting into National University is straightforward compared to traditional four-year schools. The university maintains an acceptance rate around 55%, reflecting its mission to provide access to students who might not fit the mold at selective institutions. For undergraduate programs, you'll need a high school diploma or GED, and while SAT or ACT scores are not required, the admissions team will review your academic history carefully. Transfer students often find National particularly welcoming, as the university accepts credits from regionally accredited institutions and has articulation agreements with many California community colleges. For graduate programs, requirements vary by field. MBA applicants need an undergraduate degree and professional experience, while nursing and education programs have more specific prerequisites. The Master of Science in Nursing, for instance, requires an active RN license and clinical experience. Teaching credential programs require you to pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test before admission. International students must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores. National operates on a rolling admissions basis with new terms starting monthly, so there's rarely a need to wait long before beginning your studies. The admissions team works individually with each applicant, and many programs allow provisional admission while you complete any missing requirements. Documentation of work experience can sometimes substitute for traditional academic credentials in certain programs, recognizing that adult learners often bring knowledge from their careers.

National University organizes its offerings around professional fields where working adults seek advancement or career changes. The Sanford College of Education produces more California teachers than any other institution, offering undergraduate degrees, teaching credentials, and graduate programs including doctorates in educational leadership. If you want to become a California teacher while working, National provides one of the most practical paths available anywhere in the state. The nursing programs span from RN to BSN completion for working nurses to a Doctor of Nursing Practice for those seeking advanced practice roles. Healthcare administration and public health degrees serve the broader medical sector. The College of Business offers MBA programs with concentrations in marketing, finance, healthcare administration, and other specialties, all designed for working professionals who need flexible scheduling. Technology programs include cybersecurity, data science, and information systems, fields with strong San Diego job markets given the city's tech and defense sectors. The university also offers programs in psychology, criminal justice, and public administration. The four-week course format runs through all programs, meaning you'll complete one intensive course before beginning another. Most courses meet once per week for four-hour sessions, with substantial homework expected between classes. Online versions of most programs provide flexibility for students who can't attend in person, while hybrid options blend online work with occasional campus meetings. The academic calendar runs year-round with monthly start dates, so you're never more than a few weeks away from beginning a new program.

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Located in a major metropolitan area with excellent opportunities
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at National University looks quite different from the traditional college experience, and that's entirely by design. You won't find dormitories, Greek life, or college sports here. Instead, you'll find students who are fitting education into already full lives, attending evening classes after work or logging into online courses after putting their kids to bed. This creates a unique community of motivated adults who share practical perspectives and professional networks that prove valuable long after graduation. Classroom discussions benefit from the diverse experiences students bring. Your study group might include a Marine Corps veteran, a middle manager from a healthcare company, and a first-generation college student changing careers at 40. The intensity of the one-course-at-a-time format builds strong bonds between classmates who spend four weeks focused together on a single subject, often forming study groups that continue across multiple courses. National's San Diego campus puts students in one of America's most desirable cities, with perfect weather, beaches, and a growing tech sector. The campus itself is modern and functional rather than picturesque, designed for students who arrive, attend class, and return to their outside responsibilities. Student services include career counseling, tutoring, and library resources accessible both on campus and online. The writing center provides valuable support for students returning to academics after years in the workforce. Alumni networks remain active, particularly in education and healthcare fields where National graduates are numerous and well-connected.

Location & Surroundings

San Diego provides an exceptional setting for National University's flagship campus, offering students access to one of California's most livable cities. The campus sits in the Spectrum area, accessible from major freeways and close to neighborhoods throughout the metropolitan region. While the campus itself focuses on function over aesthetics, the surrounding area offers restaurants, shopping, and services that students appreciate between classes or during breaks. San Diego's economy spans military, healthcare, biotechnology, and tourism, creating employment opportunities in fields aligned with National's strongest programs. The city hosts major military installations including Navy bases and Marine Corps camps, reinforcing National's strong connection to military students and veterans. Healthcare systems including Scripps, Sharp, and Kaiser provide clinical placements for nursing students and employment for graduates. The biotechnology corridor in nearby Torrey Pines employs scientists and researchers from across the region. The climate rarely disappoints, with mild temperatures year-round and minimal rain. Beaches stretch along the coast from La Jolla to Coronado, offering recreation within easy reach of campus. Students who attend evening classes can catch sunset over the Pacific on their drive home. The cost of living in San Diego runs high compared to national averages, though lower than Los Angeles or the Bay Area. Housing options range from suburban family homes to urban apartments, accommodating the diverse living situations of National's adult student population.

Costs & Career Outcomes

National University's tuition structure differs from traditional schools because of its unique calendar and format. Rather than charging per semester, the university prices courses individually, with undergraduate courses running around $1,700 each and graduate courses somewhat higher. A bachelor's degree requires approximately 180 quarter units, translating to significant total costs, though most students transfer credits from previous coursework or receive credit for military training. The university participates in federal financial aid programs, so FAFSA completion opens doors to grants and loans. Veterans receive particularly strong support, with National participating in the Yellow Ribbon program and accepting GI Bill benefits. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement that aligns well with National's course structure, allowing employees to seek reimbursement after each four-week term rather than waiting for semester grades. National offers institutional scholarships, with awards based on academic merit, military service, or specific program enrollment. The Phi Theta Kappa scholarship rewards community college transfer students who were members of that honor society. Payment plans spread costs across each term, and the financial aid office works with students to combine various funding sources. Career outcomes align strongly with program focus. Education graduates find positions in California schools, nursing graduates enter healthcare systems throughout the region, and business graduates advance in their current companies or transition to new roles. The career services office assists with resume development, interview preparation, and job search strategies tailored to working professionals.