National American University-Rapid City

The academic offerings at National American University are structured around career-oriented, practical degrees delivered primarily online, with the Rapid City campus serving as one physical location. The university organizes its programs into four colleges, offering associate, bachelor's, and graduate degrees, including a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Management. The most specialized majors at the Rapid City campus, according to degree awards, are in Applied Sciences, Transportation, and Protective Services. This aligns with its identity as an institution focused on vocational and professional training. Founded in 1941, the university describes its mission as providing 'Quality higher education in a caring and supportive environment' and emphasizes 'innovative learning experiences' for individuals of diverse backgrounds. The curriculum is designed to be intensive and accessible, catering to working adults and career-changers.

As a predominantly online, for-profit institution with a small physical campus, student life at National American University-Rapid City is minimal compared to traditional residential colleges. The university's published materials emphasize a 'caring and supportive environment' and 'innovative learning experiences' designed for individuals of diverse backgrounds and cultures. One source mentions a 'vibrant Campus Life with events, friendships, and support,' but given the institution's focus on online education and career training, the on-campus social and extracurricular scene is likely limited. The experience is primarily defined by the academic program rather than a traditional collegiate atmosphere, with support services geared toward facilitating degree completion for non-traditional students.

Student outcomes at National American University-Rapid City are concerning and form the core of its public profile. The College Scorecard reports a graduation rate of 24%, though the canonical figure provided overrides this to 0%. Post-graduation earnings are low: the College Scorecard reports a median earnings figure 10 years after entry of $37,325 (the canonical figure), while Niche reports median earnings one year after graduation at $36,427. College Factual notes that early-career graduates earn about $31,000, which it describes as 'about what might be expected given the mix' of programs. A historical report from 2018 highlighted a 'long-term withdraw rate of 54%' for the institution, indicating profound challenges with student persistence. These metrics collectively suggest that while the university provides access to education, it struggles to guide students to timely completion and strong economic mobility.

The cost of attending National American University-Rapid City is high relative to both national averages and the outcomes it delivers. The College Scorecard and Niche report an average net price of $31,062 per year for students receiving aid. This is significantly above the midpoint for four-year colleges, which is noted as $20,077. The university encourages students to use its Net Price Calculator and states that financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and low-interest federal student loans. Its official philosophy is to 'encourage the use of grant aid first and supplemented with self-help aid in the form of educational loan programs.' PrepScholar reports an average grant award of $3,914. There is no indication in the provided sources that the university meets full financial need or has a no-loan policy for low-income students; such policies are described as being supported by large endowments at non-profit institutions.

National American University-Rapid City stands out for the stark contradictions it embodies. It offers universal access through a 100% acceptance rate and no standardized testing requirements, positioning itself as an open door to higher education, particularly for non-traditional students. Its academic focus is unapologetically practical, specializing in fields like aviation management, protective services, and business. However, it stands out more dramatically for its troubling outcomes: a 0% graduation rate, median earnings far below the national average, and a net price that exceeds typical four-year college costs. It is a for-profit entity whose profit tripled between 2009 and 2011, even as it reported high withdrawal rates. This creates a distinct profile of an institution that is easy to enter, expensive to attend, and exceptionally difficult to graduate from with a strong financial return, making it a case study in the risks and realities of the for-profit college sector.