Since 1971, National University has been dedicated to making lifelong learning opportunities accessible, challenging, and relevant to a diverse student population. National University is the second-largest private, nonprofit university in California, and it is also the home of the Sanford Education Center, which supports the work of pre-K-12 educators and members of the nonprofit sector.
With 30,000 students and more than 140,000 alumni, National University has a tradition of serving the needs of adult learners and professionals juggling work and other responsibilities. Classes are typically scheduled around students’ working hours, in a convenient one-course-per-month format. The University also offers students the opportunity to learn online, at campus locations, or through a hybrid combination.
Based in San Diego, the university is not one campus but more than two dozen campuses located in cities and communities throughout California and Nevada. In San Diego County, campuses are located in Chula Vista, La Mesa, Carlsbad and in City of San Diego communities such as Rancho Bernardo, Spectrum and Kearny Mesa.
National University, which is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission, offers more than 100 programs through its five schools and one college. These include the College of Letters and Sciences; the School of Business and Management; the School of Education; the School of Engineering and Computing; the School of Health and Human Services; and the School of Professional Studies.
In 2014, National University launched the Sanford Education Center through the generous support of philanthropist Denny Sanford. The Center is the home of three initiatives: The Sanford Harmony Program encourages positive peer interactions between all children at the pre-K-6th grade level; The Sanford Inspire Program is dedicated to supporting the development of inspiring pre-K-12 teachers; and the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy helps nonprofit groups maximize their fundraising potential through educational programs that apply proven business principles to benefit cause organizations.