National University
National University has an average net price of $24,008, and an overall rank of #1721 (Grade C). About 37.9% of students graduate within 150% of normal time (two-year average), and median earnings are $77,646 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
National University is a private nonprofit university in San Diego, CA. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Construction Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, and 52.6% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 72.8%, roughly 22.9 points higher than typical outcomes. 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 37.9% of students within 150% of normal time (two-year average; the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 46.0% and keeps 52.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- 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
Est. annual aid gap: $7,060 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $13,284 |
| Books and Supplies | $936 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $31,068 |
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 34.5% of National University students receive Pell Grants — slightly 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 $22,968 to $31,068 depending on family income. Use National University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $77,646
- 10-Year Median Earnings $73,988
- Average Years to Graduate 4.4 years
- Average Student Debt $25,000
- Debt-to-Earnings ~32.2%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 49.8%
- Employment Rate 89.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for National University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
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: National University graduates earn $77,646 median five years after graduation, 26% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
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 10,794
- Full-Time Students 59.1%
- Part-Time Students 40.9%
- Retention Rate 52.6%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 37.9%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 46.0%
- 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 Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 15.4%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 13.6%
- Psychology, General 10.9%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 6.5%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.1%
- Homeland Security 3.4%
See more majors
- Security Science and Technology 3.4%
- Public Health 3.4%
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. Computer Science $132,211
- 2. Construction Engineering $125,719
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $117,908
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $115,603
- 5. Management Information Systems and Services $103,669
- 6. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $103,224
- 7. Public Administration $94,523
- 8. Homeland Security $85,103
- 9. Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $83,076
- 10. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $81,572
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $147,613
- 2. Computer Science (Master's Degree) $131,350
- 3. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $122,968
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Statistics (Master's Degree) $119,670
- 5. Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degree) $113,828
- 6. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $112,002
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $98,679
- 8. Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Master's Degree) $98,139
- 9. Homeland Security (Master's Degree) $96,777
- 10. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $94,104
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $132,211—62% more than Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General ($81,572). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $147,613 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for National University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Human Biology (Associate's Degree, 78 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (First Professional Degree, 17 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degree, 16 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degree, 15 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 10 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Biology, General
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)▼
- Biology, General
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 10,794
- Full-Time Students 59.1%
- Part-Time Students 40.9%
- Male Students 47.2%
- Female Students 52.8%
- Caucasian 28.5%
- Asian 7.3%
- Hispanic 32.4%
- Black 17.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 34.5%
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 nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 28.5% 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 nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 72.8% ROI. Ranked #1721 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $24,008 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $77,646 median earnings. With 37.9% graduating within 150% of normal time and 52.6% 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 #1721 ranking, National University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $24,008 annually, National University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 52.6% 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 $16,806 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 72.8% ROI and $77,646 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $14,008+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: National University ranks #1721 of 1955 institutions, with 736 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
- 37.9% graduation rate sits 24.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 52.6% first-year retention is 24.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 72.8% return on investment is 22.9 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $77,646 run about 26% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $24,008 is roughly $4,127 higher than the national median of $19,881.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 52.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.9% employment rate within three years sits 21.7 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $24,008 is about $4,127 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 34.5% trails the national share by 4.0 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 #1721 in EDsmart's rankings Completion earns C, Support C, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 52.6% of first-year students return; 37.9% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 46.0%. The reported ROI is 72.8%, 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 $24,008 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $31,068.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $7,060 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $25,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 34.5% 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 $77,646 five years after graduation. That sits about 26% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 89.9% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 72.8%, 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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). National University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/national-university/
MLA (9th): “National University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/national-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “National University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/national-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does National University cost?
At National University, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $24,008 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $31,068 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $13,284. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is National University's ranking?
National University ranks #1721 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of C, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is National University's graduation rate?
At National University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 37.9% (two-year average; the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 46.0%, and first-year retention is 52.6%.
What are National University's job outcomes?
Graduates of National University report median earnings of $77,646 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is National University's student population?
National University enrolls about 10,794 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 9388 Lightwave Ave, 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$1.03B