National University holds regional accreditation from the same governing body as Stanford, UCLA, and other respected institutions in higher education. As a private, nonprofit university accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), National University meets the same rigorous institutional standards as the most prestigious universities on the West Coast.
Founded in 1971 as a nontraditional university for working adults, National University has grown to offer over 150 academic degree programs through a flexible online learning model designed for busy professionals and military personnel. NU has built a reputation for accessible, career-focused education that has been life-changing for its over 245,000 alumni. This model works, and growing evidence shows that flexibility and convenience in online learning can reduce major barriers for adult learners.
Key Takeaways
- NU is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the same body that accredits Stanford and UCLA
- Regional accreditation is considered the highest standard in higher education and ensures NU meets rigorous academic and institutional benchmarks
- NU has maintained continuous accreditation since 1977, proving long-term institutional quality and stability
Flexible, Accredited Education for the Modern Professional
College enrollment among adults 25 and older increased by 19.7% in 2024, indicating that more working professionals are returning to school to upskill, switch careers, or advance in their current roles. This upswing highlights the reality that adult learners need accredited, reputable institutions that understand the demands of professional life. National University is uniquely positioned to meet these growing needs by offering rolling admissions, flexible online programs, a prior learning credit system, 24/7 student support, and stackable certificates.
The growth in nontraditional, adult-focused education brings important questions about academic quality and institutional recognition. How do you evaluate whether a university meets legitimate educational standards? What do employers actually think about degrees from online programs? This comprehensive guide examines National University’s accreditation, academic rigor, and professional recognition to help you make an informed decision about your education.
Accreditation Status
National University holds regional accreditation, which is considered the most prestigious form of institutional accreditation. Regional accreditors are the same agencies that validate Ivy League schools, and you may even be surprised to learn that regional accreditation is held in higher esteem than national. More importantly, some employers and grad schools only recognize regional accreditation.
Regional accreditation is to universities what a license is to an electrician or CPA. It means the institution has passed a rigorous, third-party process and earned a credential that’s respected, trusted, and widely recognized.
What makes regional accreditation the benchmark for quality is that it ensures institutions meet specific, measurable standards. The WSCUC evaluation process is comprehensive and evidence-based, involving eligibility reviews, financial audits, faculty reviews, and site visits. WSCUC evaluates institutions based on four stringent standards of accreditation: clarity of institutional mission and commitment to integrity, achievement of educational objectives and student success, resource adequacy and organization structures, and an ongoing commitment to quality assurance and continuous improvement.
Accreditation isn’t a one-time check either. WSCUC requires thorough reaccreditation reviews every few years to ensure institutions maintain the same quality and compliance. National University has kept its regional accreditation status since it was first granted in 1977 and continues to uphold the high standards expected of WSCUC-accredited institutions.
Specialized Accreditations
Beyond institutional accreditation, National University’s programs hold specialized accreditations from recognized industry bodies. This means the programs meet industry standards for academic rigor, practical training, and relevance. For example, NU has programs accredited by the:
- American Bar Association (ABA)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
(See the full list of NU’s program-specific accreditations)
These program-level accreditations act as recognized industry endorsements. They’re a signal to hiring managers, licensing boards, and graduate schools that your education meets the highest standards expected of qualified professionals.
Quality of Education and Support Services
Educational excellence and comprehensive support work in tandem at National University, where flexible learning doesn’t compromise academic rigor. The university maintains high standards through qualified faculty and rigorous coursework while providing extensive support systems that help adult learners succeed.
With over 150 degree programs, National University offers a wide range of options tailored to working adults, military service members, and other nontraditional students. The four- and eight-week course structures, along with rolling monthly start dates and 100% online availability, allow students to work at their own pace and on their own schedule.
This flexible approach to quality education translates into real career outcomes. NU graduates earn a median salary of $67,548, which is 66% higher than the national median for graduates across all schools. The numbers are even more impressive if you look at specific programs. For example, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduate earns $108,119 per year, while a Management Information Services graduate earns $95,650.
What sets National University apart is how it supports the whole student, not just the academic journey. Through its innovative Whole Human Education™ approach, they provide a unique 360-degree support ecosystem addressing five key aspects of student well-being. This includes:
- Financial Advisement: Personalized financial aid counseling, a generous transfer credit policy, scholarships, and grants to make education affordable.
- Academic Support: Access to unlimited free tutoring, individual coaching, and writing centers to ensure academic success.
- Career Services: Resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, career fairs, career advising, and networking opportunities through the NU Mentoring Network.
- Wellness Resources: Free 24/7 virtual mental health counseling, access to Wellness Resources, and 1:1 support for life challenges.
- Family and Community Engagement: Web-based student networking, student clubs and community service events, and convenient course formats and flexible online options help balance school, work, and family life.
Reputation and Employer Recognition
When HR departments and graduate schools are verifying education credentials, they are primarily concerned with two things: regional accreditation and degree completion. The former confirms institutional legitimacy, and the latter demonstrates educational achievement. While National University may not have the century-old brand recognition of an Ivy League school, its WSCUC accreditation assures employers and graduate programs that it adheres to the same rigorous standards as any regionally accredited university.
National University is a career-focused institution that primarily serves nontraditional students. This model, coupled with its flexible online structure, sometimes leads to mixed perceptions and misconceptions among those unfamiliar with this educational approach. Because of its online format, NU sometimes gets lumped in with for-profit schools, but it’s neither for-profit nor unaccredited. NU is regionally accredited and maintains strong relationships with employers and graduate programs that recognize its academic standards.
National University demonstrates its employer recognition through partnerships with major employers, such as Fortune 500 companies, healthcare systems, and governmental agencies. Well-known organizations such as Amazon, Hyundai, and Wells Fargo trust NU to educate and train their employees, providing concrete evidence of NU’s professional reputation.
Alumni Community
Every year, more than 6,000 graduates join National University’s growing alumni community. Today, that adds up to a strong network of over 245,000 career-driven professionals across diverse industries and geographic regions. A large community like this is a powerful asset and provides:
- Access to the hidden job market: Some estimates suggest around 70% of all jobs are not publicly published, with the vast majority of hires coming through trusted referrals. A well-connected alumni network puts more of those opportunities within reach.
- Diverse industry connections: NU has 150+ degree programs, meaning graduates hold influential roles in nearly every field, from healthcare and education to tech, business, and public service. That translates into higher chances of being referred by someone who’s already “in the room.”
- Lifelong career support: NU’s Career Services offers practical resources to maximize professional growth, including job search strategies, résumé writing, and workshops on professional networking and personal branding.
- Reputation and advocacy: As NU alumni go on to become hiring managers, executives, and industry leaders at organizations like Hertz, PNC, Trader Joe’s, and Magellan Health Services, they elevate the value of the NU degree and strengthen the network’s influence in the job market.
The National University Alumni Association (NUAA) keeps everyone connected with events, up-to-date news, social media updates, and informal networking sessions. This active engagement ensures alumni stay visible and supported long after graduation.
Conclusion
So, is National University legit? Based on everything our guide has covered, the answer is clear. National University is a regionally accredited, nonprofit institution that meets the same educational standards as Stanford, UCLA, and other top-tier universities. Its WSCUC accreditation, program-level accreditations, and professional partnerships with major companies put any concerns about legitimacy to rest.
National University’s 245,000+ alumni working across diverse industries and its strong employer recognition demonstrate that NU’s flexible, career-focused model works for today’s nontraditional students. For working adults and military personnel looking for accredited education that fits their lifestyle, National University offers a legitimate path to career change and advancement.
If you’re looking to make a career pivot, National University’s 360-degree support system and proven graduate outcomes make it a smart move. The question isn’t whether National University is legitimate, but whether you’re ready to take the next step.
