National University is breaking barriers in education.
Through Whole Human Education™, our innovative approach to student success, NU is reshaping higher education for busy adults and working professionals. Along with our 190+ career-relevant programs, achievable four- and eight-week course structure, and flexible online class options, we provide meaningful academic, financial, career, family, and emotional support services designed to help students succeed in the classroom, at work, at home, and beyond.
At National University, making higher education accessible to everyone is at the heart of our purpose. Our student-centric academic programs and holistic support services provide the tools needed to get ahead in today’s fast-paced world. Through convenient and accelerated course formats, flexible online options, monthly start dates, plus numerous scholarships, tuition reduction programs, and grant opportunities, we transform lives by helping students navigate the future of their dreams.
Fifty years ago, U.S. Navy Capt. Dr. David Chigos identified a need for educational opportunities and support for deployed soldiers and Veterans. His desire to help these nontraditional students led to pursuing a university that would focus on all adult learners and working students in particular. In 1971 he founded National University, and his legacy of pioneering higher education for nontraditional students continues. Today, NU is the largest private nonprofit university in San Diego and a top educator of the U.S. military.
National University merged with Northcentral University on September 30, 2022, growing the institution by over 10,000 students and 80 graduate and doctoral programs.
We’ve worked hard to close the education gaps in underserved populations. We are proud to be recognized by the Hispanic Association of Colleges & University (HACU) and Excelencia in Education as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), increasing year over year (for the past five years) the number of students who identify as Hispanic.
Since 1977, National University has been accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
