National American University-Rapid City, founded in 1941 as a secretarial school, has evolved into a career-focused institution serving the northern plains. The Rapid City campus offers programs in business, healthcare, and legal studies, featuring mock courtroom, medical labs, and veteran services center. NAU specializes in flexible scheduling with 5-week courses, evening classes, and online options serving about 500 students.
NAU is unranked among national universities but holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. The university serves a high percentage of military-affiliated students (35%) and working adults. Unique aspects include a Veterinary Technology program with onsite animal care facilities and partnerships with Ellsworth AFB. The Rapid City location provides access to the region's growing healthcare and professional services sectors.
National American University-Rapid City Acceptance Rate
National American University-Rapid City maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
National American University-Rapid City Admission Requirements
National American University-Rapid City GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at National American University-Rapid City is 3.1. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 2.8 and 3.1, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
National American University-Rapid City GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at National American University-Rapid City utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.1, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.10 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 2.90 – 3.09 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.70 – 2.89 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.69 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At National American University-Rapid City, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
National American University-Rapid City Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
National American University-Rapid City Profile
Name: National American University-Rapid City
City: Rapid City
State: South Dakota
Type: Private for Profit
Zip: 57702
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from National American University-Rapid City Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at National American University-Rapid City is USD: 29232. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at National American University-Rapid City is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
57.05% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 43.7 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to National American University-Rapid City and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At National American University-Rapid City, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist National American University-Rapid City as your choice in the form.
How much a National American University-Rapid City Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 37325. An average National American University-Rapid City graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Air Transportation
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Construction Management
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
Frequently Asked Questions About National American University-Rapid City Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $37325 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $29232 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.1. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.8, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.8, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 2.8 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.7 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to National American University-Rapid City if my GPA is below 2.7
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.1, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by National American University-Rapid City.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.