National American University-Rapid City
National American University-Rapid City — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is National American University-Rapid City Worth It?
At a value score of 6/100, National American University-Rapid City is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $37,325 — 31% below average — while paying $31,062/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 3.3-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 20% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $29,020 representing 78% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at National American University-Rapid City has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How National American University-Rapid City compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #41 of 44 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Strayer University-Florida | 62 | $16,064 | $40,092 |
| #2 | West Virginia Junior College-Morgantown | 34 | $15,520 | $31,912 |
| #3 | Sumner College | 32 | $29,411 | $46,639 |
| #4 | InterCoast Colleges-West Covina | 30 | $27,536 | $36,089 |
| #5 | Southeastern College-Boynton Beach | 28 | $28,820 | $41,200 |
| #6 | Platt College-Ontario | 28 | $20,711 | $40,669 |
| #41 | National American University-Rapid City | 6 | $31,062 | $37,325 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of National American University-Rapid City's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at National American University-Rapid City
The highest-earning program at National American University-Rapid City is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $55,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $35,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from National American University-Rapid City earns $55,100, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $35,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $44,182 in median debt vs. $34,590 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $31,062/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $55,100 | $55,100 | $44,182 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $44,100 | $44,100 | $28,727 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $39,900 | $39,900 | $40,152 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $39,900 | $39,900 | $45,554 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $39,200 | $39,200 | $46,528 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $38,900 | $38,900 | $35,122 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $35,700 | $35,700 | $34,590 |
Similar Colleges in SD
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Rapid City, SD
- Student Body
- 764 students
- Graduation Rate
- 20%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $31,062
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $37,325
- Median Student Debt
- $29,020