National American University-Rapid City
Rapid City, SD
Quick Facts
“Quality higher education in a caring and supportive environment.”
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
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