National University (NU) is a private university with its headquarters in San Diego, California. Founded in 1971, National University offers academic degree programs at campuses throughout California, a satellite campus in Nevada, and various programs online. Programs at National University are designed for adult learners. On-campus classes are typically blended learning courses, concentrated to four weeks or on weeknights with occasional Saturday classes. The university uses asynchronous learning and real-time virtual classrooms for its online programs.

National University founder David Chigos, a former United States Navy captain and director of employee training for General Dynamics Corporation, established the school as a non-traditional university for working adults. In 1971, National University was organized as a private, non-profit institution with 27 students. The university's first commencement ceremony had 143 graduates. From 1971-1975, the university was based at 1050 Rosecrans St. in San Diego.[1] In 1975, National purchased two properties in Mission Valley as its headquarters. Two years later, National opened teaching facilities in Kearny Mesa and San Diego County. During that time, the school gained approximately 1000 alumni and received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. By 1979, National had purchased a 15-acre (6.1 ha) campus with 110,000 square feet (10,000 m) of classroom and library space and 3,500 alumni. National also acquired the Cabrillo Pacific College of Law in 1979, which closed in 1991.

During the 1980s, National expanded by establishing several satellite campuses in California. The School of Education was established in 1980. In 1988, Chigos retired and Jerry C. Lee became the university's second president from 1989 to 2007. During Lee's tenure, campuses were restructured, the university's finances stabilized, National's academics were formally reviewed by accrediting bodies, and affiliate institutions were added to the university. In 1996, the headquarters of the university was moved from Mission Valley to La Jolla and online degree programs were established.

National University California