Community College Partnerships at NU

Serving Students through Programs, Resources, and Collaboration

Opportunities for Transfer Students

As a proud partner to community colleges, National University continues the work of these schools by providing programs and support that allow students to achieve the academic and career goals they desire. For transfer students, NU offers clear degree pathways, significant scholarship opportunities, whole human support for all facets of student life, and a wide variety of programs and services to help students transfer, progress, and graduate with in-demand skills and credentials.

Pathways for Transfer Students

In creating clear program pathways, NU helps community college transfer students complete their degree in the shortest possible timeframe. Working with partner colleges, we’re able to:

  • Minimize credit loss and maximize transferable coursework
  • Eliminate the costs and effort of duplicated study
  • Empower students to smoothly navigate their academic journey from community college to university to graduation

These paths lead in a rich diversity of directions, accommodating a wide variety of student backgrounds, needs, and goals, making higher education accessible to a broader range of learners.

Partnering Community College Student Scholarship

National University offers a 25% tuition reduction to partnering community college transfer students in pursuit of their bachelor’s degree.

Associate Degree for Transfer Scholarship  (California Only)

Transfer students who’ve recently earned a California Community College Transferable Associate of Arts (AA-T), Transferable Associate of Science (AS-T), or Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) are eligible for National University’s CCC-ADT Transfer Scholarship.

This opportunity allows students to complete a bachelor’s degree in 90 quarter units or less at a cost of just $7,000* per year — a tuition reduction of nearly $10,000*. Contact an NU admissions advisor to learn more.

Generous Transfer Credit Policy

NU’s credit transfer agreements with community college partners in California and across the country ensure that transferring students receive maximum credit and proper program placement for coursework already completed. These policies help simplify the transfer process, minimize tuition costs, and shorten the time it takes to earn a university degree.

NU Student Center

Partnering with National University will allow your transfer students access to our helpful Student Center, providing them with a variety of focused academic resources to support them through transfer, admission, advancement, and graduation.

Community College Employee Tuition Reduction Scholarship

Take advantage of NU’s community college employee scholarships. Faculty and staff can receive a 25% tuition reduction on bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and a 15% reduction on doctoral program tuition. It’s an ideal opportunity for elevating your credentials and career.

More Reasons to Partner with NU

National University offers transfer students a complete menu of programs, support, and resources that allow them to start a degree sooner, finish faster, and achieve their academic and career ambitions:

  • 190+ Career-Focused Programs
  • Recognized Military Friendly® School
  • Achievable 4- and 8-Week Courses
  • Recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution
  • Whole Human Education™
  • Flexible Online Classes
  • Year-Round Enrollment
  • Free Student Wellness Resource
  • WSCUC Accredited

Meet Our Partnership Leaders

Monir Masoud

Director of Community College Pathways

Monir is an accomplished professional with over 15 years of experience in higher education. Currently serving as the Director of Community College Pathways at National University, Monir brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.

He holds an AA degree from Deltion College in The Netherlands, a BA from Windesheim University in The Netherlands, a Master of Science, and a Master of Arts from National University. Additionally, Monir is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation, further enhancing his academic qualifications.

Throughout his career, Monir has held various esteemed positions, including Enrollment Advisor, Enrollment Counselor, and Campus Director. In each role, he has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to student success, leveraging his expertise to support and guide students along their educational journeys. Monir’s dedication to fostering partnerships within the higher education community has resulted in the creation of impactful pathways for student achievement.

Driven by a passion for innovation and collaboration, Monir endeavors to create dynamic learning environments that empower students to realize their full potential. His unwavering commitment to lifelong learning is evident in his continuous pursuit of personal and professional development opportunities.

With a proven track record of making significant contributions to the field of higher education, Monir remains dedicated to driving positive change and inspiring others in their educational endeavors.

If you are interested in partnering with NU, please contact Monir Masoud at [email protected] or call 619-457-1200.

Gerardo E. de los Santos

Vice President, Community College Relations

Prior to joining National University, de los Santos was Director, Community College Partnerships, Western Governors University, and served as Senior Fellow, Civitas Learning.

De los Santos also served The League for Innovation in the Community College for nearly 17 years, presiding as President and CEO for 10 years. The League is an international organization dedicated to catalyzing the community college movement and inspiring innovative change.

He has served on numerous national advisory boards including the Community College Research Center National Advisory Board; Education Testing Service National Advisory Board; National Hispanic University Advisory Board; Community College Survey of Student Engagement National Advisory Board; the National American University Advisory Board, and the Civitas Learning National Advisory Board, and Change Magazine, Editorial Board.

De los Santos is a thought leader, speaker, and writer in higher education and has authored over 50 publications, most recently including Covid-19 Shines a Bright Light on the Digital Divide, Change Magazine. He has represented community colleges at the White House via Summits and Symposia focusing on innovation, leadership, and student success on multiple occasions. He is the recipient numerous awards including the 2022 American Association of Community College’s Leadership Award, 2022 Induction into the American Association of Community College’s Leadership Hall of Fame, the prestigious ETS O’Banion Prize in Education for his significant contributions to teaching and learning, the American Association of Community Colleges Recognition Award for Visionary Leadership, and the International Leadership Award from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development.

De los Santos earned an AA degree from Mesa Community College in Arizona, a BA from the University of California at Berkeley, a Masters in English from Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.

NU Partnership Awards and Press

October 24, 2023
National University and Southwestern College Partnership Increases Higher Education Opportunities for Nontraditional, Working, and Diverse Students in San Diego

Renewed partnership between the two Hispanic Serving Institutions reaffirms commitment to remove barriers for more students seeking bachelor’s degrees in San Diego’s South County. SAN DIEGO, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — National University (NU), a nonprofit serving more than 43,000 students and one of the largest private Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) in the United States, and Southwestern College (SWC), a designated Hispanic Serving Institution with nearly 20,000 students, today announced a renewed educational partnership to further advance a decades-long commitment to increase access to higher education opportunities for the South County community of San Diego…


January 25, 2024
STC, National University partnership encourages graduate degrees

South Texas College and National University (NU), a San Diego-based university specializing in online learning, have signed into a partnership to provide Tuition Discount Scholarships to STC students who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree. With STC being the only community college in Texas to offer five bachelor’s degrees, this partnership will promote and encourage continued education…


January 30, 2024
National University Partners with California Community Colleges Classified Senate to Support Employee Advancement Opportunities

National University and the California Community Colleges Classified Senate partner to advance pathways to possibility for the California Community Colleges district classified professionals. SAN DIEGO, CA (January 30, 2024) — National University (NU) — a nonprofit Minority Serving Institution that serves more than 130,000 learners annually through its degree and professional training programs – and the California Community Colleges Classified Senate, a nonprofit organization representing over 38,000 California community colleges classified professionals, today jointly announced a new partnership to provide pathways to possibility for community college professionals to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees at NU…


May 16, 2024
National University and San Diego Mesa College – Military Friendly HSIs – Reaffirm Educational Commitment to Access and Success for Students in San Diego

National University and San Diego Mesa College’s renewed partnership increases education pathways by removing barriers for nontraditional, working, and military students to obtain bachelor’s degrees. SAN DIEGO, CA (MAY 16, 2024) — National University (NU), — a distinguished nonprofit Minority Serving Institution that serves more than 130,000 learners annually through its degree and professional training programs and San Diego Mesa College (Mesa) — one of the largest community colleges in California, serving 20,000 students per year and offering over 200 associate degree and certificate programs today announce a renewed educational partnership to further advance a higher educational commitment to increase educational attainment opportunities for nontraditional, working and military students in San Diego…

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