
National American University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Institutional accreditation evaluates the university as a whole; it does not mean that every individual program holds a separate professional accreditation.
Accreditation is relevant to federal student-aid eligibility, but a student must also meet aid rules and enroll in an eligible program. Another college decides whether to accept transferred credit, and licensing boards may impose requirements beyond institutional accreditation. Applicants to regulated fields - particularly nursing or other health professions - should verify the specific program's accreditation and licensing eligibility in the state where they intend to practice.
National American University-Rapid City is reported as having an open-admission policy for eligible applicants. That generally means admission is not based on a competitive selection rate; it does not remove the need to establish educational eligibility or meet a program's requirements.
Degree-seeking applicants should be prepared to document high school completion or an equivalent credential, such as a GED, and to provide records of previous college study where applicable. A program with clinical, professional, or graduate-level requirements may ask for additional documentation. Because an open-admission designation does not establish the current rules for every program, applicants should confirm the application steps and start date for the credential they want.
Applicants should check the current admissions application for any fee before submitting it. A tuition charge or enrollment deposit is not the same thing as an application fee, and the amount payable may differ by applicant type or program.
If the application displays a fee, ask admissions whether a waiver applies to your circumstances and how to obtain it before payment. That is more reliable than assuming a waiver can be applied after submission.
Institutional information has identified an Army ROTC opportunity through a cooperating host institution, rather than an Army ROTC unit operated by National American University on its own campus.
Cross-enrollment depends on the host unit's current agreement, course access, and eligibility rules. ROTC scholarships have separate application criteria, and participation can involve a military service commitment. A student considering this route should obtain confirmation from the host Army ROTC unit that their National American University program and location qualify before planning a schedule around ROTC courses.
National American University-Rapid City has reported admitting transfer students for fall, winter, spring, and summer terms. It has also reported accepting credit through certain examinations, including CLEP and DSST/DANTES.
Admission as a transfer student and acceptance of particular credits are separate decisions. Submit official transcripts and request a written evaluation showing how each completed course applies to the intended degree - not merely how many credits transfer in. Applicants using examination credit or credit for prior experience should also ask about score thresholds, documentation, program restrictions, and the minimum number of credits that must be completed through the university.
Prospective students should not assume that enrollment at National American University-Rapid City includes a university-operated study-abroad program. International study would require advance confirmation that an overseas course or third-party program can count toward the intended degree.
Before paying a program deposit, obtain written academic approval for the proposed courses and ask the financial aid office whether aid can be used for that arrangement. Approval to travel, approval of transfer credit, and financial-aid eligibility are distinct questions.
Early Decision
NoEarly Action
NoHigh school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredOpen admission policy
YesDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
NoROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
NoWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoGenerally accepts credits
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Winter, Spring, SummerData 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.