National University
National University is a private nonprofit university in San Diego, CA ranked #1708 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C, and enrolling about 9,725 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, 53.8% first-year retention, and 50.0% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $31,058, about $14,060 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -48.2%, roughly 133.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $64,331. That's about $20,643 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is National University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
National University graduates 50.0% of students within six years and keeps 53.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use National University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $13,320 |
| Books and Supplies | $938 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $37,116 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 25.5% of National University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $30,678 to $32,956 depending on family income. Use National University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $64,331
- 10-Year Median Earnings $64,331
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $18,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 49.8%
- Employment Rate 87.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for National University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
National University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how National University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes National University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While National University graduates earn $64,331 median, the -48.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 9,725
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 53.8%
- Graduation Rate 50.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
How to Get Into National University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: National University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, National University is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among National University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 17.7%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 14.9%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 10.0%
- Psychology, General 9.1%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.7%
- Public Health 4.1%
See more majors
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and 3.4%
- Homeland Security 3.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $108,119
- 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $108,041
- 3. Management Information Systems and Services $95,650
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $93,417
- 5. Computer Science $84,278
- 6. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $78,572
- 7. Public Administration $77,077
- 8. Business/Corporate Communications $75,312
- 9. Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $73,278
- 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations $70,412
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $157,271
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $147,392
- 3. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $126,841
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Computer Science (Master's Degree) $114,787
- 5. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $104,280
- 6. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $104,236
- 7. Homeland Security (Master's Degree) $93,112
- 8. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $92,893
- 9. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $91,710
- 10. Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degree) $91,450
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $108,119—54% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($70,412). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $157,271 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard does not list any fully online degree programs for National University. This institution may offer hybrid or partially online courses, but no fully online degree programs are reported in the latest data release.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 9,725
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 46.7%
- Female Students 53.3%
- Caucasian 29.8%
- Asian 7.1%
- Hispanic 33.0%
- Black 15.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 25.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects National University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of National University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does National University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at National University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: National University has a diverse student body, with 29.8% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does National University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at National University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
National University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -48.2% ROI. Ranked #1708 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $31,058 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $64,331 median earnings. With 50.0% graduating within six years and 53.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: National University's Positioning
With a C grade and #1708 ranking, National University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $31,058 annually, National University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 53.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $21,741 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -48.2% ROI and $64,331 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $21,058+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: National University ranks #1708 of 1966 institutions, with 1038 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 50.0% six-year graduation rate sits 12.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 53.8% first-year retention is 23.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -48.2% return on investment is 133.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $64,331 run about 47% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $31,058 is roughly $11,148 higher than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 53.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.6% employment rate within three years sits 19.4 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $31,058 is about $11,148 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 25.5% trails the national share by 7.9 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates National University—a private nonprofit university in San Diego, CA—at C overall. It appears at #1708 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns C+, Support C, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability C.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 53.8% of first-year students return, and roughly 50.0% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -48.2%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $31,058 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $37,116.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $6,058 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 25.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $64,331 six years after enrollment. That sits about 47% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 87.6% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -48.2%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the National University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address San Diego, CA 92123
- Website www.nu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$1.09B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate50.0%