woman sitting in office smiling at man across from her

About National
University

Supporting the Whole You

National University is breaking barriers in education. As a growing network of nonprofit educational institutions, we’re united in our mission to build a better future for our 41,000 students and more than 3,300 employees. Along with our 190+ career-relevant degree programs and innovative four-week course structure, we also provide meaningful support services designed to help our students succeed in the classroom, at work, at home, and beyond.  

Meeting the workforce needs of today – and tomorrow.

Our holistic, whole-human approach means we provide the academic, emotional, career, financial, and family support needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced world. But our services go beyond student support. Through educational partnerships, we also help businesses and organizations attract and retain employees through customized education and training programs. Our partners include top San Diego-based employers, including Sharp Healthcare, Hunter Industries, and the City of San Diego. We also support organizations throughout California and nationwide, including the YMCA, County of Riverside, and AMN Healthcare. 

diploma icon

190+ Degree Programs

calendar icon

4- and 8-Week Courses Available

two way arrows icon

Transfer-Friendly

check mark icon

WSCUC
Accredited

NU’s History of Excellence

Founded in 1971 by retired U.S. Navy Capt. David Chigos. We’re the largest private nonprofit in San Diego and a top educator of the U.S. military. Our community has grown to over 30,000 students and 220,000 alumni around the globe.

top employer icon

Top Employer

Named one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to a 2010 survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

laptop icon

Top 20

Ranked in the Top 20 accredited colleges and universities offering online programs, according to the Online Education Database (2009).

money sign icon

$77 Million

$77+ million in scholarships awarded
last year.

military friendly metal icon

Military-Friendly

NU was named a Military Friendly School (2011) by G.I. Jobs magazine.

pie chart icon

25%

More than 25% of NU students identify as Hispanic, and 10% identify as Black.

pie chart icon

30%

Thirty percent of the NU student body are active-duty military service members
and Veterans.

pic chart icon

70%

Approximately 70% of NU students take the majority of their classes online.

arrow going up icon

45,000

With the merger with Northcentral University, National University
will grow to serve approximately
45,000 students.

bullseye icon

#1

NU is the largest private nonprofit in San Diego.

airhorn icon

#2

National University is the second largest private university in California.

Vision & Values

At NU, we’re also changing lives through education. Driven by our mission, diverse and inclusive culture, and our 50+ year history of excellence, we empower students to join the ranks of our more than 220,000 alumni worldwide to become well-rounded professionals striving to share their success with the world around them.

man looking at a cell phone

360-Degree Support

At NU, we support the whole you so you can become the best you. Our support ecosystem encompasses these five aspects of well-being: 

piggy bank icon
Financial

NU students have access to 1:1 assistance for navigating the financial aid process, plus access to scholarships, generous transfer credits, and more. 

graduation cap icon
Academic

We support students with academic resources to help them excel in their studies. This includes individual coaching, time management support, and free tutoring. 

employee id badge icon
Career

From career counseling to resume and cover letter review to interview preparation, our career services, alumni mentoring network, and job portal are designed to help you succeed. 

happy face icon
Social & Emotional

Our student wellness services provide free, on-demand remote mental health counseling, 1:1 solutions-focused counseling, and other resources that support social and emotional health. 

text messaging icon
Family Life & Community

We understand the personal and family challenges faced by our students. That’s why we offer unique four-week course formats so that you can balance family, work, and school.  

National University Whole Human Education badge with icons

We’re Growing

As we look for ways to provide even more programs and services to our students, we’re excited about our merger with Northcentral University. Northcentral University will become part of National University once the merger is complete and help us to secure our place among the nation’s great nonprofit universities. 

national university graduates giving the thumbs up sign

Meet Our Students

National University educates hard-working adults across the U.S. and around the globe, including on-site in California and on select military bases nationwide.

 

woman at a white board

Our Culture

At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.  

man at a computer

female waring a white new national university  hooded sweatshirt

man reading a book

nu graduate making a heart sign with her hands

Careers

We’re breaking barriers in education and the workplace by prioritizing our employees’ well-being through programs designed to ensure personal and professional success. We offer a diverse and inclusive culture, competitive pay and benefits packages, 100% remote work perks, and more.

Affiliates

The City University of Seattle is an affiliate of National University.

"The skills and knowledge I gained helped push me to the top of job applicant lists." Maxwell S., Class of 2016
National University
Chat Options