National American University: Institutional Profile
About National American University
National American University: Institutional Profile
National American University (NAU) is a private university headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota. NAU provides online undergraduate and graduate education with a focus on adult learners and people whose educational journeys
do not follow the traditional college model. These include working professionals, students returning to college, transfer students, military-affiliated students and others balancing education with careers, families and responsibilities beyond the classroom.
This page provides a factual overview of NAU’s educational model, accreditation, academic offerings, student population and official institutional information.
Institutional Overview
Official Name
Abbreviation
Institution Type
Tax Status
Headquarters
Educational Delivery
Institutional Accreditation
Academic Offerings
Students Served
Official Website
Educational Model
NAU’s online educational model is designed for students whose lives and learning pathways may not fit a conventional, campus-based college experience. Adult and nontraditional learners may be entering college for the first time, returning after time away, transferring prior coursework or building on professional and military experience.
The university offers multiple start dates, subject to program availability; evaluates eligible transfer credits; provides prior learning assessment opportunities for qualifying knowledge and experience; and offers academic and student support services. Specific policies and eligibility requirements vary by program.
Reduced-Credit Bachelor’s Degrees (FOCUSED Programs)
NAU’s FOCUSED bachelor’s degree options offer a reduced-credit alternative to its traditional bachelor’s degrees. FOCUSED programs require 135 quarter credits and generally include approximately 30 courses, compared with 180 quarter credits and approximately 40 courses in NAU’s traditional bachelor’s degree structure.
FOCUSED is the name of NAU’s reduced-credit bachelor’s degree model; it does not guarantee completion within a particular timeframe. Program eligibility, availability and financial aid options vary.
Academic Programs
NAU offers programs in fields including business and management, construction management, information technology, healthcare management, education, criminal justice, legal studies and strategic security. Its Henley-Putnam School of Strategic Security provides specialized security-related education. Program offerings, start dates and state availability vary; consult the current academic catalog.
Industry Alignment and Professional Preparation
NAU is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), an organization supporting sustainable building practices and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). NAU’s associate and bachelor’s degree programs in Construction Management include preparation for the LEED Green Associate examination. Membership and exam preparation do not constitute program accreditation or guarantee certification.
Accreditation, Specialized Accreditation and Program Approvals
Institutional Accreditation — Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
National American University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Specialized Business Accreditation — IACBE
NAU’s College of Business, Technology, and Healthcare Management and Harold D. Buckingham Graduate School hold specialized accreditation for designated business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
Paralegal Studies Program Approval — ABA
National American University’s Paralegal Studies programs are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). This includes the Paralegal Studies program option within the Bachelor of Science in Professional Legal Studies.
ABA approval applies specifically to the designated Paralegal Studies programs and options, not to every program or option offered by the university.
Institutional accreditation, specialized accreditation and program approval represent different forms of external evaluation. Specialized accreditation and professional approvals apply only to designated programs and should not be interpreted as covering every academic program offered by NAU.
Student Population and Institutional Performance
NAU’s published Institutional Performance page reports the following undergraduate student characteristics:
- 85% of undergraduate students are age 25 or older
- 89% of undergraduate students attend part-time
These characteristics help explain why the populations measured by different federal student-outcome metrics matter when interpreting results. Figures should be read alongside their reporting years and definitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does National American University serve?
NAU focuses on adult and nontraditional learners, including working professionals, returning and transfer students, military-affiliated students and people seeking
a college pathway that accommodates responsibilities
beyond the classroom.
What institutional and specialized accreditations does NAU hold?
NAU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Designated business programs hold specialized accreditation through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), and designated Paralegal Studies programs have American Bar Association (ABA) approval, including the Paralegal Studies program option within the Bachelor of Science in Professional Legal Studies. These credentials have different scopes; consult current program-specific disclosures.
Does NAU have program-specific accreditation or approvals?
Yes. Designated business programs hold IACBE specialized accreditation, and designated Paralegal Studies programs have ABA approval, including the Paralegal Studies option within the BS in Professional Legal Studies. These apply to specific programs and options, not all NAU offerings.
Is National American University a private university?
Yes. NAU is a private university classified as a for-profit institution.
Is National American University online?
NAU offers online undergraduate and graduate education. Check individual program requirements and state availability.
Does NAU accept transfer credit or professional experience?
NAU evaluates eligible prior college coursework for transfer credit and offers prior learning assessment opportunities for qualifying knowledge and experience. Credit awards depend on applicable policies and degree requirements.
What are NAU’s FOCUSED bachelor’s degrees?
FOCUSED is NAU’s reduced-credit bachelor’s degree model. Eligible programs require 135 quarter credits and generally approximately 30 courses, compared with 180 quarter credits and approximately 40 courses in traditional NAU bachelor’s degrees.
Do NAU’s Construction Management programs include LEED preparation?
NAU states that its associate and bachelor’s Construction Management programs prepare students for the LEED Green Associate examination. NAU is a member of the U.S.
Green Building Council (USGBC); membership and exam preparation do not constitute program accreditation or guarantee certification.
Where can I find NAU’s student outcome information?
NAU publishes institutional performance and student achievement information, including explanations of reporting populations and links to supporting sources,
at
Institutional Performance and Student Achievement
.
Official Reference Links
- National American University
- Why NAU
- Institutional Performance and Student Achievement
- FOCUSED Bachelor’s Degrees
- U.S. Green Building Council
- LEED
- Higher Learning Commission
- IACBE-Accredited Programs
- U.S. Department of Education College Navigator
Institutional information is subject to change. Consult NAU’s current academic catalog, official disclosures and program-specific information for applicable policies and requirements.
