
9388 Lightwave Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123, USA


National University was established in 1971 with a focus on providing accessible higher education, particularly to working adults and active military personnel. Founded by Dr. David Chigos, the university aimed to create flexible learning opportunities that accommodate students' busy schedules, an approach that has helped it grow steadily over the decades. Early on, it emphasized evening and weekend classes, responding to the needs of non-traditional students who required alternatives to the typical daytime college experience.
The university expanded its academic offerings gradually, incorporating both undergraduate and graduate programs designed to meet evolving workforce demands. Its commitment to flexible delivery methods was further reflected in the introduction of online courses, enabling students nationwide to pursue degrees without relocating or interrupting their careers. Over time, National University developed multiple campuses and learning centers across California, enhancing its accessibility.
Throughout its history, the institution has maintained an emphasis on practical and career-oriented education. This priority influences program development and supports a diverse student body, balancing traditional academics with professional preparedness. The university's evolution reflects ongoing adaptation to educational trends and student needs since its founding in the early 1970s.
National University offers a diverse range of academic faculties and departments designed to meet the needs of prospective students aiming for various career paths. The university's academic structure includes faculties focused on fields such as business, education, health sciences, engineering, and the arts. Each faculty houses multiple departments that provide specialized programs, allowing students to tailor their education to specific interests and professional goals.
Within the Faculty of Business, students can explore areas like management, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurial studies. The Faculty of Education is structured to prepare students for roles in teaching and educational leadership, featuring departments that cover curriculum development and educational technology.
The College of Health Sciences offers programs in nursing, public health, and healthcare administration, equipping students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge pertinent to the medical and wellness sectors. Similarly, the engineering faculty includes departments focused on applied sciences and technology, fostering innovation and problem-solving competencies.
Additionally, the university supports creative disciplines through its arts faculty, which includes departments dedicated to visual arts, communication, and design. This variety of faculties and departments ensures that students can pursue comprehensive academic training aligned with their career objectives.
National University is situated in San Diego, California, specifically in the western part of the city. The campus address is 9388 Lightwave Avenue, within the 92123 zip code area. This location places the university conveniently close to Lindbergh Field, the local international airport, facilitating easy travel for students and visitors alike.
National University emphasizes a commitment to offering accessible and flexible higher education primarily designed for adult learners and working professionals. The institution seeks to empower students through practical, career-focused programs that accommodate diverse schedules and learning styles. Its educational mission centers on providing high-quality instruction that aligns with the evolving needs of the workforce, promoting lifelong learning and personal growth.
The vision of National University reflects its aim to be a leader in innovative education by leveraging technology and comprehensive support services. It strives to create an inclusive academic environment where students from various backgrounds can achieve academic excellence and advance their professional aspirations. This forward-looking approach encompasses affordable tuition, accelerated course formats, and a curriculum structured to foster critical thinking and real-world application.
Name of the institution
National UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
10,000 - 19,999School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
ContinuousFoundation year
1971
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
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Accounting and Related Services
$43,957Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
$94,452Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
Data not availableBiology, General
Data not availableBiomedical/Medical Engineering
Data not availableBusiness Administration, Management and Operations
$54,361Business/Corporate Communications
$54,414Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
$51,109Computer Science
$69,756Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
$65,610Construction Engineering
$79,856Construction Management
Data not availableCriminal Justice and Corrections
$53,819Education, General
Data not availableElectrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Data not availableEngineering-Related Fields
Data not availableEnglish Language and Literature, General
Data not availableFilm/Video and Photographic Arts
Data not availableFinance and Financial Management Services
Data not availableHealth and Medical Administrative Services
$46,892Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Data not availableHealth Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
$47,121History
$44,540Homeland Security
$71,714Hospitality Administration/Management
Data not availableHuman Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
Data not availableHuman Resources Management and Services
Data not availableInformation Science/Studies
Data not availableInternational/Global Studies
Data not availableLegal Support Services
Data not availableLiberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Data not availableManagement Information Systems and Services
$63,126Manufacturing Engineering
Data not availableMathematics
Data not availableMulti-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
$35,518Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Data not availableNon-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
Data not availablePolitical Science and Government
Data not availablePractical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
Data not availablePsychology, General
$36,571Psychology, Other
Data not availablePublic Administration
$61,249Public Health
$37,604Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
Data not availableRadio, Television, and Digital Communication
Data not availableRegistered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$85,563Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Data not availableSecurity Science and Technology
Data not availableSocial Sciences, General
Data not availableSociology
$35,735Special Education and Teaching
Data not availableTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$39,572Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Data not available