National University
San Diego, California · Private Nonprofit
ROI Score: 64/100 · Fair Value
National University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $13,284/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $13,284/yr |
| Average net price | $22,878/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $91,512 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,548 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $51,900 |
| Median debt at graduation | $25,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $265 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 42.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 10,794 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,554 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,583 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,176 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | N/A |
| $110,001+ | N/A |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at National University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $114,413 | B |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $78,266 | B |
| Psychology | $66,849 | D |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $81,299 | B |
| Teacher Education | $53,761 | D |
| Homeland Security | $80,134 | B |
| Public Health | $70,340 | D |
| Accounting | $79,696 | C |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $59,956 | C |
| Sociology | $64,860 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at National University is $13,284/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $22,878/year, or roughly $91,512 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $21,554/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay N/A/year.
The median graduate leaves with $25,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $265 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $67,548 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.48 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 49.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 57.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 59.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 64.9% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Enrollment | 10,794 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 28.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,332 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| National University (this school) | 64 | $22,878 | $67,548 |
| Azusa Pacific University | 71 | $22,212 | $66,677 |
| St. John's University-New York | 68 | $29,999 | $69,571 |
| Bellevue University | 65 | $17,550 | $61,289 |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | 64 | $39,949 | $63,268 |
| Art Center College of Design | 56 | $48,661 | $71,958 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
National University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $22,878 per year leads to $91,512 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $67,548 a decade out. The payback period of 7.1 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates, manageable debt relative to earnings. However, the data also shows a 42.9% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $25,000 against $67,548 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.