Understanding National University Tuition and Fees

National University offers various programs with diverse costs. Understanding the components of these costs-tuition, fees, living expenses, and financial aid options-is crucial for prospective students. This article breaks down the tuition and fee structure at National University, comparing it to national averages, and explores available financial aid options, student loan debt, and ways to manage educational expenses.

Tuition and Fees: A Detailed Overview

National University's tuition stands at $13,320 annually, positioning it as a more affordable option compared to the national average of $24,575 for Masters Colleges and Universities. The cost of tuition at National University is $−11,255 less than than the overall (public and private) national average for Masters Colleges and Universities.

Decoding the Sticker Price

The sticker price, encompassing both tuition and fees, is a starting point in understanding college costs. Fees can cover various campus services such as library access, gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and health centers. However, when comparing institutions, it's essential to consider the total cost, which includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.

Financial Aid: Bridging the Gap

National University is committed to helping students bridge the gap between their education expenses and financial resources. As a National University student, you may be eligible for financial aid - including scholarships, grants, and loans. To establish your eligibility for financial aid, please complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application must be completed for each fiscal year you request aid.

Need-Based Aid

In fall 2023, 61% of first-year students received need-based financial aid. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at National University was $3,745. Need-based self-help aid, including federal loans and work-study, averaged $2,365 for first-year students.

Merit-Based Aid

Merit-based aid, awarded for specific talents or academic achievements, can also significantly reduce college costs. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant, excluding athletic scholarships, was $5,363 for first-year students at National University.

Types of Aid Available

Scholarships, grants, and loans are the primary forms of financial aid. Scholarships are a type of funding that you don’t need to pay back. Need-based scholarships consider a student’s financial status, while merit-based scholarships recognize academic or athletic achievements. Scholarships may also be awarded based on community service, unique hobbies, personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation.

Managing Student Loan Debt

Student loan debt can significantly impact your financial future, so it's essential to manage it wisely. Ideally, your total student loan debt should be less than your anticipated starting salary after graduation.

Debt at National University

At National University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $25,000. The median monthly federal loan payment for these graduates, assuming a 10-year repayment at 5.05% interest, is $265.

Average Indebtedness

In 2024, the average total indebtedness of the graduating class was $10,618, with 47% of graduating students having borrowed some type of loan.

Read also: Eligibility for National Awards

Work-Study Programs and Campus Jobs

Working while in school can help lessen the burden of your student loans. National University offers work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time. Eligible students may engage in on-campus employment positions that allow them to gain practical experience and supplement their income. Some institutions match students with work-study positions, while others require them apply to the positions, like they would for any other job. Begin your job search by checking whether your college has in-person or online job boards.

Opportunities at National University

In addition to on-campus jobs, National University offers internship opportunities aligned with various academic programs. International students may also participate in work-study programs under applicable visa regulations, enabling them to work on campus within authorized limits.

Understanding the Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance includes both direct and indirect expenses. Direct expenses can include tuition, fees, books, course materials, and equipment, while indirect expenses may consist of housing, food, transportation, personal expenses, and loan fees.

Factors Influencing the Total Cost

The total estimated cost of the program can vary based on several factors, including the number of credits transferred, the need for leveling or repeated courses, and specific course fees, which may differ depending on the selected courses. Current rates are based on today’s credit requirements and tuition rates, and they may also include a one-time learning management fee of $450. Additional factors like state licensing requirements, specializations, concentrations, and minors can change the overall tuition and duration of the program.

Estimating Your Education Costs

Program preference, prior learning, military service and affiliation, and scholarship eligibility can affect expenses and funding resources. National University provides program tables and a Cost of Attendance page to help estimate the education costs that apply to you.

National University's Financial Aid Office

Cost of attendance is a figure used by our Financial Aid Office to help determine your award eligibility.

Tuition Discounts

National University offers tuition discounts via our partnerships with various employers.

Tuition Payment Policies

Tuition is due and payable prior to the first class session of each course. If a tuition payment check is returned due to insufficient funds, the University reserves the right to drop all current and future classes for that student. Students will be notified of this action and assessed a return check charge. The University may require students who have written multiple insufficient-fund checks to make all future payments by cashier’s check, cash or money order. The University reserves the right to modify tuition and fees at any time.

The Course Materials Fee (CMF)

The CMF is a per-course fee that provides access to required textbooks and digital learning tools in an affordable, convenient format. It helps ensure you’re ready to learn from the first day of class-without having to search or pay separately for course materials.

National University Compared to National Averages

Comparing costs to national averages reveals some significant contrasts. While tuition and fees at National University remain substantially below those typical at private non-profit four-year colleges, which average $54,501, and even below in-state four-year public colleges averaging $25,707, the expenses for room and board dramatically exceed the typical cost of attendance. National University offers a relatively low tuition rate compared to many other institutions. The full-time undergraduate tuition in district is $13,320 per year, placing it in the bottom 30% nationwide for affordability. Fees for full-time undergraduate students are waived, contributing to the overall low cost. Graduate tuition for full-time students is $15,912 annually, which is about average when compared to other graduate programs. Room and board charges at National University are notably high, totaling approximately $30,361 annually. This cost is broken down into about $19,215 for room and $11,146 for board, both figures ranking in the top 5% nationwide, indicating a significantly higher expense for living accommodations and meal plans.

Enrollment and Graduation Statistics

In 2023, National University had a total enrollment of 19,924 students, with 52.1% enrolled full-time. The enrolled student population is diverse, with 35.3% Hispanic or Latino, 30.7% White, and 13.2% Black or African American students. In 2023, 5,686 degrees were awarded across all undergraduate and graduate programs at National University (119605). 67.6% of these degrees were awarded to women, and 32.4% awarded men. The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients was white (2,002 degrees), 1.11 times more than then the next closest race/ethnicity group, hispanic or latino (1,811 degrees).

Acceptance Rate

In 2021, the undergraduate acceptance rate of National University (119605) was 54.5% (84 admissions from 154 applications). This is lower than the acceptance rate of 2020, which was 89.4%. Between 2020 and 2021, the number of applicants grew by 228%, while admissions grew by 100%.

Graduation Rate

In 2023, 11% of students graduating from National University (119605) completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e. 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 43% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 46% within 200%.

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