
National American University traces its origins to a business school founded in Rapid City, South Dakota, in 1941. It later operated as National College of Business before adopting the National American University name as its programs expanded beyond business.
The Rapid City name remains associated with the institution's history and federal reporting. For a prospective student, the distinction is practical: a record labeled "National American University-Rapid City" does not, by itself, establish that a particular class, service, or student activity is currently offered at a physical Rapid City campus. Confirm the location and delivery format of the specific program before enrolling.
National American University's reported fields of study span business, technology, health care, and public-service subjects. Examples include business administration, accounting, human resources, computer and information sciences, health and medical administration, criminal justice, and legal support.
Programs may lead to different credentials and may have different delivery formats or admission conditions. The field names used in federal outcomes reporting are broad classification categories, not a current program directory. Applicants should check the current catalog for the exact credential, required courses, delivery format, and availability of any clinical or hands-on components.
National American University-Rapid City is associated with Rapid City, in western South Dakota. Rapid City Regional Airport serves the area, but its relevance to a student depends on whether their program requires visits to a physical location.
Students considering in-person study should verify the address where instruction and services are actually provided. A Rapid City designation in an institutional record should not be taken as confirmation of a conventional residential campus or regularly scheduled classroom courses there.
National American University's educational focus has historically emphasized career-oriented study and access for students whose schedules may not fit a traditional campus model. Its range of reported programs reflects that practical emphasis.
Those priorities describe an institutional approach, not a demonstrated outcome for every student. Program-specific course requirements, instructional format, support hours, and employment outcomes offer a more useful way to assess whether the approach fits an applicant's goals.
Name of the institution
National American University-Rapid CityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: SmallInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
Under 1,000School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
QuartersFoundation year
1941National American University-Rapid City is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Doctor's degree - research/scholarshipData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.