National American University (NAU) is a fully online, private for-profit institution based in Rapid City, South Dakota, in the United States. Founded in 1941, it holds regional accreditation from the U.S. Higher Learning Commission across 100+ programmes.
Indian students can enrol from India in associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Streams include accounting, business, information technology, nursing, healthcare management, and strategic security, all in English. NAU is one of the online MS universities in USA that target working professionals rather than campus-based visa applicants.
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC), plus CCNE nursing accreditation
- Acceptance rate: Effectively 100% under an open-admissions online model
- Intakes: Rolling monthly starts across 11-week quarters throughout the calendar year
- PG tuition: USD 2,625 per course General rate (INR 2.49 lakh, 2026-2027 academic year)
- Enrolment: Approximately 1,610 students across the fully online worldwide cohort
- Delivery: 100% online for every student, including those studying from India
National American University does not issue Form I-20 for Indian applicants because the institution runs entirely online. Applicants study remotely from India with no F-1 visa, OPT, or on-campus work eligibility during the programme. See MBA in USA requirements for campus-based pathways that carry US student-visa sponsorship.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.83 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Rolling. National American University runs monthly starts on 11-week quarters with no fixed annual application deadline. Registration for each term closes one week before classes begin. The Fall A 2026 term already started on 8 September 2026, and the next Fall B 2026 term is expected to open in early October 2026 on a rolling basis with the same one-week close pattern before class start.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and NAU Fees at National American University 2026
- National American University Admission 2026
- National American University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2026
- National American University Acceptance Rate 2026
- NAU Fees and Cost of Study at National American University 2026
- National American University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- National American University Scholarships 2026
- National American University Rankings 2027
- National American University Placements and Career Outcomes 2026
- National American University vs Peer Universities
- National American University FAQs
Popular Courses and NAU Fees at National American University 2026
National American University charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis for undergraduate programmes and a per-course basis for master’s programmes. Every degree runs fully online in English, with identical rates for Indian students studying from India. Bachelor’s degrees typically require 120 credit hours across four years, and master’s programmes need 12 courses over 12 to 18 months.
Top PG Programmes at National American University 2026
Master’s students pay USD 2,625 per course under the 2026-2027 General rate, which puts a 12-course master’s near USD 31,500 in total tuition. Doctoral programmes bill per credit hour and typically span 60 credit hours.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) | 31,500 (estimated total) | 29.9 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| M.S Nursing (Care Coordination) | 31,500 (estimated total) | 29.9 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor of Nursing with 60% (recommended) |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D) | 42,000 (estimated total) | 39.8 lakh (estimated) | Master’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 plus 3+ years work (recommended) |
| Doctor of Strategic Security (DSS) | 28,500 (estimated total) | 27.0 lakh (estimated) | Master’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
Top UG Programmes at National American University 2026
Undergraduate tuition tiers from USD 380 per credit hour for the first 45 credits down to USD 304 per credit hour past 135 credits. A full 120-credit bachelor’s blends to a total tuition range of USD 36,480 to USD 45,600.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.S Business Administration | 36,480 to 45,600 (estimated) | 34.6 to 43.2 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 50% or above (recommended) |
| B.S Information Technology | 36,480 to 45,600 (estimated) | 34.6 to 43.2 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 50% or above (recommended) |
| B.S Accounting | 36,480 to 45,600 (estimated) | 34.6 to 43.2 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 50% or above (recommended) |
| B.S Healthcare Management | 36,480 to 45,600 (estimated) | 34.6 to 43.2 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 50% or above (recommended) |
| B.S Nursing (LPN Bridge to BSN) | 36,480 to 45,600 (estimated) | 34.6 to 43.2 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 50% and valid LPN credential (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants gravitate toward the MBA and B.S Information Technology at NAU because both accept transfer credits from Indian universities. Applicants can trim total tuition by up to 75% of the degree through prior credit evaluation.
Read More: National American University Programs and Fee Guide
National American University Admission 2026
National American University operates on rolling monthly registration windows tied to its 11-week quarter system. The primary intake pattern for Indian applicants offers a fresh start date almost every calendar month, so applicants do not queue for a single deadline. Refer to the CollegeDunia guide on exams to study in USA when preparing an English proficiency file.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Registration for Fall A 2026 | Closed 1 September 2026 | Term already commenced on 8 September 2026 |
| Registration for Fall B 2026 | Expected early October 2026 on a rolling basis, closing one week before class start | Standard application; submit at least four weeks earlier for smooth onboarding |
| Credential verification (NACES or WES) | Start 4 to 6 weeks before intended registration | Mandatory for Indian bachelor’s and master’s transcripts before offer |
| Programme start (Fall B 2026) | Expected early October 2026 (based on prior cycle) | 11-week quarter delivered fully online |
Planning note: Because NAU accepts monthly rolling registrations, Indian applicants can align their start with Indian financial year cycles or workplace notice periods without waiting for a fixed intake window.
Read More: National American University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
National American University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2026
National American University applies an open-admissions philosophy for Indian applicants and asks for a NACES or WES credential evaluation of every Indian transcript submitted.
Postgraduate applicants must submit:
- Bachelor’s degree with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended), verified via NACES evaluation
- English proficiency evidence: TOEFL iBT #71, IELTS #6.5, or PTE and Duolingo equivalents (verify at official NAU admissions page)
- Passport bio-page scan and a signed enrolment agreement before offer confirmation
- MBA applicants need statistics, economics, and accounting prerequisites at bachelor’s level
Undergraduate applicants must submit:
- Class 12 mark sheet with 50% or above (recommended), evaluated by NACES or AICE for US high school equivalency
- English proficiency evidence: TOEFL iBT #61, IELTS #6.0, or PTE and Duolingo equivalents (verify at official NAU admissions page)
- Passport bio-page and matriculation fee of USD 75 (INR 7,112) after admission
Key insight: The official NAU admissions page states that the university does not publish a fixed English test cutoff because it operates fully online and does not issue F-1 visas. Applicants should submit any recognised English test score with their evaluated transcripts.
National American University Acceptance Rate 2026
National American University follows an open-admissions model, and its acceptance rate is reported as effectively 100% (estimated) for applicants who meet the stated academic and credential-evaluation floor. The figure is not published as a formal admissions statistic since the university does not conduct competitive selection.
Acceptance therefore rests entirely on completed documentation rather than academic ranking. The rate should not be read as a marker of programme quality, but as a signal of the university’s open-access mission.
Reality check: A near-100% acceptance rate means Indian applicants should not treat NAU admission as competitive. The real gate is credential verification through NACES or WES, which typically takes four to six weeks and adds USD 200 to 300 to the total admission cost.
Read More: Universities in USA for Indian Students
NAU Fees and Cost of Study at National American University 2026
Total annual tuition for Indian students at National American University ranges from USD 9,120 to USD 17,100 (INR 8.65 to 16.22 lakh) for undergraduates, and USD 21,000 to USD 31,500 (INR 19.9 to 29.9 lakh) for master’s applicants completing a standard course load. Living costs stay flat because students remain in India throughout the programme. Compare this with the wider MBA in USA fees and scholarships landscape before locking a decision.
National American University (NAU) Tuition Fees Breakdown 2026
The table below lists official 2026-2027 rates directly from the NAU tuition and fees page. Every rate applies uniformly to Indian applicants studying online from India, with no separate international premium.
| Cost Category | 2026-2027 Rate (USD) | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate general (0 to 45 credits) | USD 380 per credit | INR 36,035 per credit |
| Undergraduate general (136 credits and above) | USD 304 per credit | INR 28,828 per credit |
| Master’s general | USD 2,625 per course | INR 2.49 lakh per course |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D) | USD 700 per credit | INR 66,381 per credit |
| Doctor of Strategic Security (DSS) | USD 475 per credit | INR 45,044 per credit |
| Matriculation fee (one-time) | USD 75 | INR 7,112 |
[Source: National American University official tuition and fees page, 2026-2027 award year]
Living Cost Notes for National American University Online Learners in India
Since National American University does not sponsor F-1 visas and delivers every course online, Indian students incur no US-based living costs. Practical spending sits with home-based internet, laptop, textbooks, and NACES evaluation fees, together roughly INR 40,000 to INR 80,000 in one-time setup.
Insider note: Applicants who transfer 75% of undergraduate credit through prior Indian coursework can compress the four-year bachelor’s total tuition down to under USD 12,000 (INR 11.4 lakh). Always request a NACES evaluation before confirming the offer.
Read More: Study in USA Guide for Indian Students
National American University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
National American University closed most of its physical locations in 2019 and now runs as a fully online institution. The Rapid City, South Dakota address houses only corporate administration, and no international student sets foot on it.
- Delivery platform: NAU Online learning platform with asynchronous lectures, discussion boards, and proctored assessments
- Library and support: Digital library subscriptions, tutoring services, and disability accommodations available online
- Tech requirement: Windows or Mac laptop with webcam, microphone, and 5 Mbps broadband minimum for smooth participation
- Exam mode: Assessments delivered through proctored software; no physical exam centre visits required in India
- Programme depth: Applicants can specialise through routes like the MBA in IT in USA comparison pool
What Indian students say: Learners praise the flexibility of monthly starts and asynchronous coursework, which allows working alongside full-time employment in India. Some note that peer engagement is thinner than on a campus programme, so networking depends on individual outreach.
National American University Scholarships 2026
National American University’s institutional aid is oriented toward US-based students, active-duty military, and veterans. Indian applicants studying online rarely qualify for these categories, so most funding for Indian students comes through Indian education loans or external merit awards. Compare with the broader USA colleges offering scholarships for international students pool before applying.
| Aid Program | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAU Alumni Discount | Institutional tuition discount | 10% off per-credit rate (USD 342 vs USD 380 undergrad) | NAU graduate returning for a further degree | Not accessible to first-time Indian applicants |
| Active-Duty Military Rate | Institutional discount | USD 166.66 per credit undergrad, USD 260 per credit graduate | Verified active-duty US military service | Not accessible to Indian nationals abroad |
| Veteran Benefit Rate | Institutional discount | USD 200 per credit undergrad | US veterans with valid VA benefits | Not accessible to Indian nationals abroad |
| Edith Nourse Rogers S.T.E.M. Scholarship | External US federal (VA) | Per VA schedule (varies) | Eligible US veterans in high-demand STEM fields | Not accessible to Indian nationals abroad |
[Source: National American University official tuition, fees, and scholarship-opportunities pages]
Planning note: Indian applicants should apply for Indian education loans through providers like HDFC Credila, Avanse, or Auxilo, which fund NAU tuition against Indian collateral. External merit awards from the NAU Foundation open only after enrolment and a completed first-quarter GPA record.
Read More: MBA Universities in USA for Indian Students
National American University Rankings 2027
National American University is not ranked in the four global university rankings that Indian applicants typically consult. As per QS, THE, US News Best Global Universities, and ARWU, the institution does not feature in the published tables for the latest editions. Its accreditation status through the Higher Learning Commission is the primary quality anchor rather than a rank.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | 2027: Not ranked | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked |
| THE World University Rankings | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked | 2024: Not ranked |
| US News Best Global Universities | 2025-2026: Not ranked | 2024-2025: Not ranked | 2023-2024: Not ranked |
| ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked | 2024: Not ranked |
[Source: QS, THE, US News, ARWU official ranking portals, 2026 verification]
Key insight: Indian applicants who rely on rankings for education-loan approval or Indian employer recognition should note that NAU’s HLC accreditation carries US-side value, but the absence of QS or THE ranking may limit acceptance by government-linked Indian employers and PSU sector hiring.
National American University Placements and Career Outcomes 2026
National American University does not operate a traditional campus placements office because it enrols working adults who study part-time while employed. Career outcomes centre on career advancement inside the applicant’s current employer rather than fresh graduate recruitment.
- Placement rate: Not officially disclosed; NAU does not publish graduate employment statistics for international online cohorts
- Median starting salary: Not disclosed by the university; US market median for online MBA graduates sits around USD 70,000 (INR 66.4 lakh, market estimate)
- Top recruiters: Not disclosed by NAU; alumni feature across healthcare, IT services, US military, and small business sectors
- OPT eligibility: Not applicable, since NAU does not issue Form I-20 and Indian graduates cannot access US work authorisation
- Careers support: Online resume review, LinkedIn coaching, and alumni networking through the NAU Foundation portal
Insider note: Indian applicants targeting Indian employers should confirm degree recognition with the Association of Indian Universities before enrolment. NAU degrees typically need an AIU equivalency letter for public-sector jobs and Indian PhD applications.
National American University vs Peer Universities
National American University sits alongside other US-accredited fully online providers rather than traditional campus universities. The peer set below reflects institutions offering online-only degrees at similar tuition tiers and delivery models. Compare stated MBA in USA requirements before finalising a choice.
| University | QS World 2027 | Avg PG Total Fee (USD, INR) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| National American University | Not ranked | USD 31,500 (INR 29.9 lakh, estimated) | HLC accredited, monthly starts, no F-1 visa |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Not ranked | NA | Non-profit online provider, broader Indian brand recognition |
| University of Phoenix | Not ranked | NA | Largest US online for-profit, wide programme catalogue |
| Colorado Technical University | Not ranked | NA | Fully online for-profit with adaptive learning platform |
| Purdue University Global | Not ranked | NA | Affiliated with Purdue University public system |
National American University stands out for its 100% online delivery paired with credit-hour billing that supports partial enrolment. It suits Indian applicants who want a US-accredited credential while staying employed in India.
National American University fits Indian applicants who want a US-accredited online credential, a total tuition of USD 31,500 (INR 29.9 lakh, estimated) for a master’s, and a monthly-start format that fits around Indian work commitments. The single strongest Indian-specific advantage is asynchronous delivery that avoids any need for a US MBA in USA requirements route through student visa sponsorship.
National American University is not the right fit for applicants who need a QS-ranked degree for PSU hiring, want F-1 visa sponsorship, or plan post-study work in the United States. Applicants with those goals should instead consider Southern New Hampshire University for online study with broader brand recognition, or a campus-based state university with STEM OPT eligibility.
National American University FAQs
Ques. Does National American University issue F-1 visas for Indian students studying online?
Ans. National American University does not issue Form I-20 because it operates as a fully online university. Indian applicants therefore cannot obtain an F-1 student visa through this institution. Students enrol from India and complete every course remotely without US residency. The trade-off is no eligibility for Optional Practical Training or on-campus employment, so NAU suits learners seeking a US-accredited credential without US-based work rights.
Ques. What technology setup do National American University Indian applicants require at home?
Ans. A stable broadband connection of at least 5 Mbps download speed is the practical baseline. Applicants need a Windows or Mac laptop with a webcam, microphone, and a current browser to attend synchronous class sessions and take proctored quizzes. NAU delivers coursework through its NAU Online learning platform, and specific software downloads occur inside the platform after enrolment confirmation.
Ques. How does NAU treat transfer credit from Indian universities?
Ans. NAU evaluates transfer credit case-by-case and can accept up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree in prior credits. Indian applicants must submit a NACES or AICE evaluation of Indian coursework to convert grades and credits into the US system. Accepted credits reduce total tuition proportionally, since NAU bills by credit hour or course rather than a lump-sum programme fee.
Ques. Are National American University degrees recognised by Indian employers?
Ans. Recognition depends on the intended employer’s policy. NAU holds regional accreditation from the U.S. Higher Learning Commission, and its degrees are listed as US-accredited qualifications. Indian employers in IT, healthcare, and business generally recognise HLC-accredited credentials. Public sector jobs and further Indian studies may need an additional equivalency letter from the Association of Indian Universities.
Ques. Can Indian applicants pay NAU tuition in monthly installments?
Ans. NAU accepts tuition payment per course or per credit hour rather than as a lump-sum annual bill. This effectively creates a monthly billing cadence tied to enrolment across each 11-week quarter. Federal aid is limited to US students, so Indian applicants use out-of-pocket payment, family funds, or Indian education loans from providers such as HDFC Credila, Avanse, or Auxilo.
Ques. Which US bodies accredit National American University healthcare and business programmes?
Ans. The Higher Learning Commission provides regional institutional accreditation for the whole university. Nursing programmes hold specialised accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Business programmes are covered under the institutional HLC accreditation without a separate specialised body such as AACSB. Applicants comparing MBA options should note this distinction against AACSB-accredited alternatives available in the USA.
Ques. What time zone flexibility does NAU offer Indian online learners?
Ans. NAU classes primarily run asynchronously through recorded lectures, discussion boards, and self-paced coursework on the NAU Online platform. Live sessions when scheduled follow US Mountain Time in Rapid City, South Dakota, which is 11 hours 30 minutes behind India during standard time. Most Indian learners engage with materials on their own schedule and avoid direct time-zone conflicts through recorded material.
Ques. How long does a National American University master’s take to finish part-time?
Ans. A part-time NAU master’s usually takes 18 to 24 months when the learner enrols in one course per 11-week quarter. Full-time enrolment across two or three courses per quarter cuts the timeline to 12 to 15 months. Since NAU operates on rolling monthly starts, learners can join the next available cohort and pace enrolment around ongoing work commitments in India.
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National American University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based |
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National American University Admissions
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
National American University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4731 | 126 | 4605 | - |
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