Motto | Quality higher education in a caring and supportive environment. |
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Type | For-profit college (NASDAQ: NAUH) |
Established | 1941 |
President | Ronald L. Shape (CEO) |
Location | Rapid City, South Dakota |
Colors | Royal Blue and White |
Website | www |
National American University (NAU) is a for-profit university owned by National American University Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: NAUH). Headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota, NAU operates approximately 33 locations in the United States and an online division. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
NAU has 5,286 students in its online programs, 1,308 students at its campuses, and 1,055 students attend hybrid learning locations. The school has 88 doctoral students and 279 graduate students.
National American University offers a variety of undergraduate programs, including Bachelor of Science degrees, Associate of Applied Science degrees, and diplomas in academic areas such as accounting, applied management, business administration, allied health, criminal justice, healthcare management, health and beauty management, nursing, legal studies, and information technology. Graduate degree programs available include an M.B.A., a Master of Management degree, and a Master of Science in Nursing. Degree offerings vary by location.
National American University was established in 1941 as a one-year secretarial school by Clarence Jacobson. It was called National College of Business and was located in a downtown Rapid City building. In 1960, Jacobson had the building that now houses administration for the Rapid City campus constructed at 321 Kansas City Street and moved National College to that location.
In 1962, NCB was acquired by Harold D. Buckingham and members of his family. Shortly after the Buckinghams purchased the school, a period of growth began which led to the construction of the classroom buildings, dormitories, a library, gymnasium, and an auditorium.
NCB was granted collegiate accreditation as a junior college by the Accrediting Commission of the Association of Independent Colleges and Schools in 1966. Senior college accreditation was granted in 1970.