Make Things Better | National University - Fresno Campus Open House

Nonprofit for a Reason

National University was founded in 1971 as a nonprofit, and since that time has grown to be one of the largest private, nonprofit universities in California.

Why does it matter that National University is a nonprofit institution? As a nonprofit university, rather than answer to shareholders, we answer to our students. Instead of investing in traditional campus infrastructure, sports teams or shareholders, we focus on providing an education that is both affordable and accessible.

Our nonprofit status allows us to invest in outstanding faculty and learning technologies. Our goal is to provide students a personalized experience in a modern setting with small class sizes and good faculty-to-student ratios. We take those standards to a higher level with accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), meeting the highest standards for learning outcomes and quality academic programs.

We're proud of our commitment to diversity; National University is ranked second in California and fifth nationally in granting master's degrees in education to all minorities. We're ranked first in California and second nationally in granting master's degrees in English language and literature/letters to minorities. Almost 25% of our students are active duty or have previously served in the military.

At National University, we offer more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as certificates and credential programs. We offer more than 90 graduate and undergraduate degree programs completely online. And National University is among the top 20 accredited colleges and universities that offer online programs, according the Online Education Database.