National University
National University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
National University at a Glance
A national university is mainly a university created or managed by a government, but which may also at the same time operate autonomously without direct control by the state. In the United States, the term "national university" connotes the highest institutional level in education, differing in meaning from a "federally-chartered university." Globally, some national universities are associated with national cultural or political aspirations. For example, the National University of Ireland during…
Is National University Worth It?
At a value score of 31/100, National University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $67,548 — 26% above average — while paying $22,878/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 42% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at National University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How National University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #41 of 55 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 | Emory University | 81 | $22,585 | $80,137 |
| #2 | Wake Forest University | 61 | $28,719 | $78,158 |
| #3 | Saint Louis University | 58 | $24,398 | $70,783 |
| #4 | University of Rochester | 57 | $29,278 | $79,042 |
| #5 | University of Dayton | 52 | $29,533 | $75,537 |
| #6 | Marquette University | 51 | $31,487 | $78,257 |
| #41 | National University | 31 | $22,878 | $67,548 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of National University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in CA.
Best Programs at National University
The highest-earning program at National University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $81,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Sociology at $33,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from National University earns $81,100, while a Sociology graduate earns $33,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. 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 $32,354 in median debt vs. $27,813 for Sociology.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,878/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 | $81,100 | $81,100 | $32,354 |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $71,100 | $71,100 | $28,375 |
| Computer Science | $67,300 | $67,300 | $37,562 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $51,000 | $51,000 | $29,655 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $50,400 | $50,400 | $34,017 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $43,800 | $43,800 | $27,544 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $42,100 | $42,100 | $31,250 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $41,000 | $41,000 | $39,952 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $41,000 | $41,000 | $30,906 |
| Public Health | $38,400 | $38,400 | $34,515 |
| Psychology, General | $37,300 | $37,300 | $28,125 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $35,100 | $35,100 | $32,142 |
| Sociology | $33,400 | $33,400 | $27,813 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- San Diego, CA
- Student Body
- 10,794 students
- Graduation Rate
- 42%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,878
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $67,548
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000