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National American University-Rapid City

Rapid City, SD

private forprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Quality higher education in a caring and supportive environment.

1941
Founded
Private for-profit online university
Type
832
Total Students
$16K
Tuition (In-State)
$16K
Tuition (Out-State)
$22K
Avg Net Price
60%
Graduation Rate
6-year
67%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: Ronald L. Shape (CEO)

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About National American University-Rapid City

Pioneering online education since 1996, NAU offers flexible degrees in a supportive virtual campus.

National American University-Rapid City, originally established in 1941 as the National School of Business, has undergone a profound transformation to become a leading private for-profit online university. Known for its forward-thinking approach, NAU initiated the development of online courses in 1996, positioning itself as an early adopter and innovator in accessible digital education across the United States and internationally. The university's enduring motto, "Quality higher education in a caring and supportive environment," underscores its commitment to student success, even as its operational model has evolved.

Academically, NAU delivers a robust portfolio of online associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees tailored for career readiness. Programs span high-demand fields such as accounting, business, information technology, strategic security, and health care. A distinctive offering, the "One" program, allowed students to achieve full-time status by attending classes just one day or night per week, exemplifying the university's dedication to providing flexible educational pathways for working adults and those balancing diverse responsibilities.

Students at National American University benefit from comprehensive support services accessible through a dedicated online portal. These resources include learning resource center services, tutoring, counseling, and computer support, ensuring a well-rounded and assisted learning journey. While the university has navigated significant financial challenges in recent years, leading to the strategic closure of most ground campuses, its core mission to provide adaptable, career-focused online learning opportunities remains steadfast, solidifying its identity as a virtual institution catering to a global student body.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1941, evolving from a traditional business school to a dominant online university.
  • Began pioneering online course development and degree offerings in 1996, making education broadly accessible.
  • By 2018, 77% of students were studying entirely online, with an additional 12% taking some online courses.
  • Offers online associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees in high-demand fields including IT, business, and health care.
  • Introduced the innovative "One" program, allowing full-time status with just one day or night of weekly classes.
  • Operates with a motto focused on "Quality higher education in a caring and supportive environment."

Timeline

1941
Founded as the 'National School of Business'.
1996
Began developing online courses and degree options for students.
Early 2000s
Introduced the 'One' program for flexible full-time study.
2018
77% of students were studying online; plans for campus closings announced.
March 2019
Announced closure of most ground campuses, solidifying transition to an online university.
April 2019
Faced significant financial pressure regarding Title IV awards and debt obligations.
2020-2021
Received CARES Act and other Covid Relief funding.
October 2023
Reported no available cash, signaling ongoing financial challenges.
🏛️
85 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Ronald L. Shape (CEO)
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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