National University California
National University (NU), founded in 1971 and headquartered in San Diego, California, is one of the largest private nonprofit universities in the state. The institution is known for catering primarily to adult learners, working professionals, and members of the military community. With multiple campuses across California and a strong online learning platform, NU offers flexible education designed for students who balance work, family, and academic goals.
University Philosophy and Highlights
National University emphasizes accessibility, innovation, and flexibility. Many of its programs are offered in an accelerated format — with courses typically lasting four or eight weeks — allowing students to focus on one subject at a time.
The university is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), ensuring that its academic programs meet high educational standards. National University is also known for being highly supportive of active-duty military members, veterans, and their families through scholarships and tuition assistance programs.
Programs and Courses Offered
National University offers a comprehensive range of associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across various disciplines. Programs are available both online and on-campus to suit different student needs.
Major Areas of Study
- Business and Management:
Programs include Business Administration, Accounting, Organizational Leadership, and Marketing. - Healthcare and Nursing:
Degrees such as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Healthcare Administration, and Public Health are among the most popular. - Engineering and Technology:
Students can pursue degrees in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, and Electrical and Computer Engineering. - Education:
Teacher preparation programs, educational leadership, and curriculum design are key focuses for those entering the education sector. - Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences:
Programs include English, Communication, Sociology, Psychology, and History. - Criminal Justice and Public Service:
Students can specialize in Criminal Justice Administration, Homeland Security, or Emergency Management.
Program Structure
Most programs follow an accelerated course model. Instead of traditional semester-long schedules, NU students typically complete one course per month. This system helps learners progress more quickly toward degree completion while maintaining work-life balance.
Undergraduate students generally need to complete a minimum number of upper-division credits and maintain a GPA of at least 2.0. Graduate students are typically required to sustain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Admission Process
National University’s admissions process is designed to be simple and flexible, with year-round enrollment and monthly start dates.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent qualification.
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions.
- Placement tests (such as English or math) may be required if college-level coursework has not been completed.
- Many undergraduate programs do not require an application fee.
Graduate and Doctoral Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on previous coursework (requirements may vary by program).
- Official transcripts and, in some cases, letters of recommendation or personal statements.
- Some programs may also require standardized test scores or relevant professional experience.
Tuition and Fees
National University’s tuition structure is typically based on cost per unit, and the total program cost varies depending on the degree level and field of study.
Undergraduate Tuition
- Average cost: $370 per quarter unit.
- Most bachelor’s degrees require around 180 quarter units, bringing the estimated total tuition to about $67,000 for the entire program.
- A small course material fee (around $20 per course) may also apply.
Graduate Tuition
- Graduate-level tuition usually ranges from $470 to $1,000 per unit, depending on the program.
- For example, a typical master’s program might cost approximately $20,000 to $35,000 in total tuition.
Cost of Attendance
- The estimated yearly tuition for undergraduate students is around $13,000, excluding living expenses.
- Including housing, books, transportation, and other personal costs, the total annual cost of attendance can reach $40,000 or more, depending on lifestyle and location.
- National University does not offer on-campus housing, so most students live off-campus or study entirely online.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
National University provides financial aid options including federal and state grants, student loans, and institutional scholarships. Military personnel and veterans often qualify for additional tuition discounts or GI Bill benefits. The university also offers need-based and merit-based scholarships for domestic and international students.
Why Choose National University
- Flexible Scheduling: Monthly start dates and accelerated courses allow students to earn degrees faster.
- Military-Friendly: NU is recognized for its commitment to service members and veterans.
- Wide Range of Programs: Degrees are available across diverse fields, from business and healthcare to education and technology.
- Transfer-Friendly: The university accepts many types of transfer credits, including those earned through military service.
- Online Learning Excellence: Many programs can be completed entirely online with dedicated faculty support.
Key Considerations
While National University offers outstanding flexibility, its accelerated format requires strong time management and self-discipline. Students who prefer a traditional on-campus college experience may find NU’s structure less conventional. Additionally, because tuition costs can add up quickly, it’s important to plan ahead and explore financial aid options.
Campus Locations
| Campus Name | City / Region | Address / Location | Key Focus Areas | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Campus (Spectrum Center) | San Diego, CA | 9388 Lightwave Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123 | Business, Education, Healthcare, IT, General Studies | Main headquarters; full student services, library, labs, and admissions office. |
| Los Angeles Campus (LAX / Westchester) | Los Angeles, CA | Near LAX Airport (Westchester District) | Nursing, Biology, Criminal Justice, General Education | Convenient freeway access; serves greater Los Angeles metro area. |
| Pleasant Hill Campus (East Bay) | Pleasant Hill, CA | East Bay Area, ~30 min from San Francisco | Business, Education, Psychology, Public Administration | Flexible on-site and online options for Bay Area students. |
| Fresno Campus | Fresno, CA | River Park Corporate Center, near Highway 41 | Nursing, Healthcare, Education | Known for the Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) and health programs. |
| Twentynine Palms Military Center | Twentynine Palms, CA | Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center | Military & Veteran Education | On-base programs for active-duty and veteran learners. |
| Rancho Cucamonga Regional Center | Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Inland Empire region, near I-10 freeway | Business, Criminal Justice, Education | Supports students across San Bernardino and Riverside counties. |
| Bakersfield Campus | Bakersfield, CA | Central California (Stockdale Highway area) | Business, Nursing, General Studies | Serves students in California’s Central Valley region. |
| Sacramento Regional Campus | Sacramento, CA | North Natomas Business Park area | Public Administration, Business, Education | Convenient access for Northern California professionals. |
| San Jose Learning Center | San Jose, CA | Silicon Valley area | Information Technology, Business, Education | Serves Bay Area tech and professional students. |
| Online Campus (Virtual) | Nationwide / Global | Accessible 24/7 online portal | All majors available online | Offers 100% online degrees with identical accreditation and quality. |
Final Thoughts
National University stands out as one of California’s most flexible and accessible universities for adult and nontraditional learners. Its career-focused programs, accelerated learning model, and commitment to serving working professionals make it an excellent choice for those seeking practical education without putting life on hold. Whether you’re looking to start a new career, finish your degree, or advance in your current field, National University offers a pathway that fits your schedule, lifestyle, and ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
National University is best known for its flexible learning model, accelerated one-course-per-month format, and strong online programs. It caters mainly to adult learners, working professionals, and military service members, offering over 75 degree programs in business, healthcare, education, and technology.
Yes, National University is fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This accreditation ensures that NU’s degrees meet rigorous academic and professional standards recognized nationwide.
Yes. National University is a leader in online education, offering most programs fully online. Students can complete coursework at their own pace while maintaining full-time jobs or family responsibilities. Online degrees are equivalent in quality to on-campus programs.
Most courses at National University follow an accelerated four-week or eight-week format. This allows students to focus on one subject at a time and finish their degree faster than at traditional universities.
Applicants need a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. They must submit official transcripts, and in some cases, take placement tests. National University accepts applications year-round, and many undergraduate programs do not require SAT or ACT scores.
Undergraduate tuition is approximately $370 per quarter unit, while graduate tuition ranges between $470 and $1,000 per unit, depending on the program. The total cost for a bachelor’s degree averages around $67,000, excluding living expenses and course materials.
Yes. NU provides financial aid through federal grants, student loans, and merit-based scholarships. The university also offers military tuition discounts, veteran benefits, and employer-sponsored education programs.
Yes, international students are welcome to apply. They must provide proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS scores), official academic transcripts, and financial documentation to meet visa requirements.
Applications can be submitted online at any time of the year. Once you choose your program, submit your transcripts and required documents. An enrollment advisor will help you through financial aid, course selection, and registration.
The main campus is in San Diego, California, with several regional learning centers across the state. However, many students study entirely online from anywhere in the U.S. or abroad.