National University California: Flexible Online Degrees for Adult Learners

National University (NU), a private non-profit institution in San Diego founded in 1971, offers flexible and accessible education tailored to adult learners, military personnel, and working professionals through its four-week classes and extensive online programs.

Accredited by WSCUC and holding multiple specialized accreditations, NU operates through three colleges and three professional schools, offering over 100 degrees across various fields, including business, education, engineering, psychology, law, and health. With campuses across California and Nevada and a strong military base presence, NU serves a diverse student body of nearly 20,000, maintaining a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 54% retention rate.

It is known for its pioneering online learning since 1996, real-world research initiatives through its Cause Research Institute, and notable alumni in politics, sports, and media, underscoring its mission of providing career-focused, achievable higher education pathways for non-traditional students.

National University California: A Comprehensive Overview

National University (NU) is a private, non-profit institution of higher education headquartered in San Diego, California. Founded in 1971 by retired U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. David Chigos, NU was established with a mission to provide accessible and achievable higher education for adult learners, a commitment that continues to shape its flexible program formats and extensive online offerings.

History and Founding Principles

Since its inception, National University has focused on serving non-traditional students, including working adults, career changers, single parents, active-duty military personnel, and veterans. This dedication is reflected in its flexible four-week class format, which allows students to balance their education with existing responsibilities. NU is the flagship institution of the National University System, established in 2001, which also includes other educational affiliates.

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

National University holds institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a recognition it has maintained since 1977. This regional accreditation signifies a comprehensive review of all institutional functions, ensuring the quality of education meets established standards.

In addition to institutional accreditation, many of NU’s specific programs hold specialized accreditations, demonstrating their adherence to rigorous industry standards. These include:

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) for its Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering programs.

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for various business programs, including the MBA, Master of Science in Accounting, and Bachelor of Business Administration.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for its baccalaureate, master’s, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in nursing, as well as post-graduate APRN certificate programs.

International Accreditation Commission for Systemic Therapy Education (IACSTE) for its Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy programs.

Approval by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for its teacher education programs in California, and by the Nevada State Board of Education.

Designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAE IAE) by the National Security Administration for its Master of Science in Cyber Security and Information Assurance program.

Academic Structure and Programs

National University is organized into three professional schools and three colleges, offering a wide array of associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, along with various certificate and credential programs. Key academic areas include:

• College of Letters and Sciences: Encompasses humanities, social sciences, and general studies.
• Sanford College of Education: A top educator of teachers in California, offering programs in early childhood education, teacher credentialing, and educational leadership.
• College of Business, Engineering, and Technology: Features programs in business administration, accounting, marketing, cybersecurity, computer science, and engineering.
• JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences: Focuses on psychology, counseling, and social sciences.
• School of Health Professions: Offers programs in healthcare administration, nursing, and other health-related fields.
• College of Law and Public Service: Provides legal and public administration programs.

NU offers over 100 degree programs and more than 1,500 courses, many of which are available online.

Campus Locations

While headquartered in San Diego, California, National University maintains a distributed campus model with academic sites across California and Nevada. Some of its satellite campuses include:

• San Diego County (various locations, including Scripps Ranch, Chula Vista, Rancho Bernardo, and Spectrum Business Park)
• Fresno
• Henderson, Nevada
• West Los Angeles (LAX area)
• Oxnard
• Rancho Cordova (Sacramento)
• San Jose

Additionally, NU has a strong presence on military bases nationwide, reflecting its commitment to serving the armed forces.

Tuition and Fees (Estimated for 2025-2026)

Tuition and fees at National University can vary based on residency, program level (undergraduate/graduate), and enrollment status (full-time/part-time). For the 2025-2026 academic year, estimated annual charges for full-time undergraduates are:

• California Residents: Approximately $16,164.06 (including tuition, student services fee, and campus-based fees). With health insurance, this increases to approximately $19,935.06.
• Non-Residents: Approximately $48,738.06 (including tuition, student services fee, nonresident supplemental tuition, and campus-based fees). With health insurance, this increases to approximately $52,509.06.

Part-time and UC employee specific fee schedules are also available, offering reduced rates. A one-time lifetime document fee of $150 and a new student orientation fee are charged to all new students.

For international applicants, annual tuition fees for the first year are estimated to range from INR 10.17 L – 18.85 L (approximately USD 11,934 – 22,111), varying by course.

Student Body Demographics (2023 Data)

In 2023, National University had a total enrollment of 19,924 students, with 10,383 full-time and 9,541 part-time. The student body is diverse, with the following racial and ethnic breakdown:

• Hispanic or Latino: 35.3%
• White: 30.7%
• Black or African American: 13.2%
• Asian: 7.38%
• Two or More Races: 3.42%
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders: 0.893%
• American Indian or Alaska Native: 0.547%
• Undisclosed: 8.55%

In terms of degrees awarded in 2023 (5,686 total degrees), 67.6% were awarded to women and 32.4% to men. The most common race/ethnicity among degree recipients was White, followed closely by Hispanic or Latino.

The full-time undergraduate retention rate in 2023 was 54%.

Faculty and Class Sizes

National University has a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 19:1, which is slightly higher than the national average. It’s notable that a significant portion of the instructional staff are part-time, with only 8.0% teaching on a full-time basis, although 94% of faculty members hold a terminal degree in their field. Many faculty also work in the fields they teach, bringing real-world knowledge to the classroom.

Online Learning and Accessibility

National University is a pioneer in online education, having offered degree programs via the internet since 1996. It provides over 150 online programs and offers a flexible learning environment, with courses designed for asynchronous learning (allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace) and some synchronous online lectures. This model is particularly beneficial for its diverse student population, including active-duty military and working professionals. Students have access to extensive online resources, including a large e-book collection, e-journals, and electronic databases.

Research Initiatives

National University’s Cause Research Institute (CRI) supports students and faculty in generating tangible, real-world solutions through research. CRI offers:

• Support and resources for research methodologies and grant submissions.
• Doctoral residencies and boot camps.
• Faculty workshops for research and curriculum integration.
• Student research programs, including student-faculty matching and dissemination opportunities.
• Compliance functions (IRB, conflict of interest management).
• Training in sponsored projects management and human research protection.
• Innovation and research focused on advancing opportunities for non-traditional and underrepresented students.

A notable example of NU’s research is the Harmony Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Third Edition project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education. This initiative partners with education districts to integrate SEL and academics, developing professional learning tools and coaching guides.

Notable Alumni

National University boasts a diverse group of alumni who have achieved success in various fields. Some notable individuals include:

• Matt Barnes: Professional soccer player.
• Duke Cunningham: Former U.S. Representative.
• Marti Emerald: American journalist and politician.
• Isadore Hall III: American politician.
• Danny Ildefonso: Filipino basketball player.
• Hanna Jaff: Mexican-American politician, television personality, author, and philanthropist.
• Rich McCormick: American physician and politician.
• Ryan Zinke: Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and politician.

National University continues to be a significant institution, particularly for adult learners and military personnel, providing flexible and accessible pathways to higher education with a strong emphasis on practical, career-focused learning.

FAQs about National University California

What is National University California?

National University (NU) is a private, non-profit institution in San Diego, California, offering flexible and accessible higher education for adult learners and working professionals.

When was National University founded?

It was founded in 1971 by retired U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. David Chigos to serve non-traditional students.

Is National University accredited?

Yes, NU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and holds several specialized accreditations for specific programs.

What programs does National University offer?

NU offers over 100 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs across business, education, engineering, psychology, health, and law.

Does National University offer online programs?

Yes, NU offers 150+ online programs with asynchronous and synchronous options, allowing flexible learning for working adults and military personnel.

Where is National University located?

The main campus is in San Diego, California, with additional campuses across California and Nevada, including Fresno, San Jose, and Henderson.

What is the student enrollment at National University?

As of 2023, NU enrolled approximately 19,924 students, including both full-time and part-time learners.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at National University?

The student-to-faculty ratio is about 19:1, supporting personalized attention in small class settings.

Is National University military-friendly?

Yes, NU has a strong presence on U.S. military bases nationwide and offers tailored programs for active-duty personnel and veterans.

What are the tuition fees at National University?

For California residents in 2025-2026, undergraduate tuition is around $16,164 per year, while non-residents pay around $48,738 annually, excluding health insurance.

Does National University have specialized accreditations?

Yes, including ABET for engineering, ACBSP for business, CCNE for nursing, and CTC approval for teacher education.

What is the retention rate at National University?

The full-time undergraduate retention rate was 54% in 2023.

What research opportunities are available at National University?

Through its Cause Research Institute, NU supports student and faculty research aligned with practical solutions, grant submissions, and doctoral residencies.

What is the diversity of the student body at National University?

In 2023, 35.3% of students were Hispanic or Latino, 30.7% White, 13.2% Black, 7.38% Asian, with other groups making up the remainder.

Does National University have a strong online learning infrastructure?

Yes, NU has been offering online degrees since 1996 and provides robust e-resources, e-journals, and virtual support services.

What notable alumni have graduated from National University?

Notable alumni include Matt Barnes (soccer player), Ryan Zinke (former U.S. Secretary of the Interior), Marti Emerald (journalist), and Hanna Jaff (philanthropist).

What colleges and schools does National University have?

NU includes the Sanford College of Education, College of Letters and Sciences, College of Business, Engineering and Technology, JFK School of Psychology, School of Health Professions, and College of Law and Public Service.

Does National University support working adults?

Yes, with flexible four-week class formats, evening and online classes, and tailored schedules for career changers, single parents, and professionals.

How does National University support research in education?

NU’s Harmony Social and Emotional Learning project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, integrates SEL into academic curricula across schools.

Are there programs for international students at National University?

Yes, international students are welcome, with annual tuition ranging from USD 11,934 to 22,111 depending on the program.

What are the class sizes like at National University?

Classes are relatively small due to the 19:1 student-faculty ratio, though many faculty members are part-time industry professionals.

Is National University a non-profit institution?

Yes, National University operates as a private, non-profit institution committed to education accessibility.

Does National University offer doctoral programs?

Yes, NU offers several doctoral programs, including Doctor of Nursing Practice and Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy.

How can students access support at National University?

Students have access to academic advising, online resources, tutoring, career services, and research support through CRI and faculty mentorship.