National American University Online Reviews
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What a Nighmare
School not recommended by
Jenny Cummins
on
July 15, 2010
6/7 people found this review helpful
I was open to trying new things, and thought that after years of being out of school, the jazzy commercials that I saw made NAU sound like the place for me. Boy, in hindsight, what a major error of judgment on my part.
It started with the admissions people continuously bothering me...even on weekend (Sunday's of all times!). It became increasingly apparent that these folks are getting incentives for enrollments.
Well, what my rep finally confided in me was that unless hey met a quota, they were out the door. Tell you a lot about a school when they have high pressures on selling someone to attend.
When i FINNLLY got my financial aid in place, weeks after the term began, they suggested that I had plenty of loan availability to pay their (high) tuition and fees. At that point, I was trapped because if I withdrew, I'd owe them anyway. They convinced me that it would all be worth it so I stuck in there.
One of the wonders that they told me about was there was no need to purchase textbooks. That they had their own instructional materials that were great - another lie! They are terrible materials that don't correlate to the course material, links that don't work, outdated and incredibly stupid content.
Oh, don't be misled that you don't pay for texts, it's just that they own them so that you can 't get them elsewhere!
When it all came crashing in, I tried to call the campus president. He was no help and told me that I needed to "buck up." Then I did a Google search on this guy and found out that he was fired from his previous job because he was partying and having extramarital affairs with his female students. Pictures and everything were in the local news...do a search see for yourself.
Given everything that they (Don't) have going for them, I'd recommend staying way clear of this outfit. There are many more out there that have integrity and are about more than just taking your money and offering shoddy service in return.
Learn More about National American University OnlineCompleted Undergrad there- great experience
School recommended by
Jeremy
on
June 25, 2010
5/6 people found this review helpful
I have really had a great experience with National American University. Well, mostly great. I didn't like one of the online classes but the rest were all good. I took classes at the Independence campus and they have great instructors. I walked in May and now I am doing my MBA there, I would definitely recommend the school.
*~`*WARNING! DO NOT ATTEND! NOT RECOMMENDED!*`~*
School not recommended by
Tong
on
June 11, 2010
8/9 people found this review helpful
I've had a bad experience with National American University. Please take the time to read what I have gone through. The stress, frustration, time consuming, unfaithful/untrustworthy faculties. If you read what I am going to write about it will help you from losing money and faith in the school you choose.
Last year 2009 fall quarter, I needed only 1 class to graduate my bachelor degree in Management Information System. I did not have the money to pay for that 1 class because financial will not cover for that 1 class so i decided not to attend for that fall quarter. The school then called me one day and advised that I should attend the fall quarter and they will do everything they can to help me get financial aid to cover my quarter.
I respected that they will do what they said. Therefore, I went to the Brooklyn Center campus and spoke to them. They told me that they can give me 2 option. 1st option- take another class and get financial aid to cover, 2nd option- double major and also get financial aid to cover.
Trusting their expertise in their professional field, I decided to double major. The staffs helped me looked for another degree. That second degree that I decided to take was business administration degree for associate. They looked over the classes to see how many i would need to get that degree. They told me that it was only 2 more classes and I will also get that degree after I finish the fall quarter.
I took that degree and registered for 3 classes thinking i was going to get financial aid to cover for that fall quarter. I then proceeded to class the following weeks not knowing and issues that will concern my financial aid. After I finish the quarter 1 week after, the financial aid advisor emailed me and state that financial aid did not cover for all my 3 classes and it only covered for my 1 class that i needed for my bachelor degree.
After reading the email i contacted the school numerous time and got no response, i then contacted the Bloomington campus and got them to contact the Brooklyn Center Campus. They finally called me and said that they have a few options for me. They were putting me on the spot and did not even bother to listen to what i have to say, as if my concerns and feelings are not important to them.
When I tried to explain to them the situation, they refuse to listen and told me to move on, they also told me that if i want my degree then for me to drop the situation and take what they have to say. I was too mad and angry I hung up the phone, and called the corporate headquarters, they too did not call me back for any resolution. I then wrote them a dispute letter and have them have the school look into the situation.
Finally, the new dean at the campus called me in to give me a loan from the school, they stated that the loan from the school was a very good thing, and it works just like financial aid. I then signed the loan so i can receive my bachelor degree and my business admin associate degree as well.
The problem was I wasn't going to get my Business degree. The school had told me that I need another class in order to get that degree, i spoke to them again about the issues, they said they have done all they can, and turns out I still need to take that class, so if i was to take that class for my business admin, it would take me back to square 1 where I have to go through the same process and the school will snatch more money from me.
They called me on June 9, 2010 and said that regardless of what their staff had provided me, I still need to take that additional class for my Business Administration degree. They also told me that there is no hope in trying to work that out and give me that degree. I told them that I want to sit down with the people who advise me to take those courses and let them know how i feel and how pathetic their work is. But the school did not proceed to take that action they told me that it's not necessary to do that.
I have put in many hours in working out my situation and yet the school denied everything that they had advised me. They will do the same to you. The staff there are not professional, they are only there to be at a job. They know nothing about honesty, integrity, trust, feelings, or to educate their students. They are only there to rip students off and take as much as they can from students.
After reading my experienced, I encourage anyone who is reading this, "PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND NATIONAL AMERICAN UNIVERSITY." You will thank me when you dodge the university. But if you attend the University, you will go through what I have experienced in the long run.
Dropping a class
School not recommended by
patricia
on
May 19, 2010
6/7 people found this review helpful
When I enrolled I was told I wouldnt need any material other than the online information,which was untrue I've had to purchase books after my second quarter costing $250 to $350 per quarter.
If that wasnt the topper I had surgery around the time I was suppose to start the next quarter and began to start work when I recieve a nasty message from the instructor.I explain to the instructor I had no idea that I needed book material to complete my assignments and was told everyone has the same excuse.
After several conversation I ask to be removed from this class and was told to give her another chance as if I had done something wrong. The only thing I have done was to ask for help and was told if she takes the time to help me then she'll have to do it for the others.
I would never recommend Medical Staff Management to anyone there's only one instructor for this course and she's nasty.I have talk to several students that are planning on dropping this school all together.
I never knew a school could cost so much more than any other colleges with little assistance other than getting your money.
What a scam
School not recommended by
J
on
May 16, 2010
9/11 people found this review helpful
In my opinion, this is not a "real" school. I was an instructor there for over 2 years. It was my first teaching job and I was NEVER once observed. I should have been every semester, especially as it was my 1st job teaching.
I taught advanced composition. Students would come into my class having passed Comp. 1 & write papers with no verbs in them. They didn't know about topic sentences or what a noun was. How on earth did they pass comp 1?
Also, I taught Speech. In that class, there was a student who signed up but couldn't attend classes. I was asked by the Dean to pass the student. I told the Dean that the student could not pass my class if s/he didn't attend, since Speech is about making speeches & also about collaboration in teams in the class to give feedback. I believe he ended up listening to the student's speeches & passing him/her anyway.
Students seemed to be encouraged by administration to take a full-time course load even when they were not ready for it: sometimes they were working 1-2 jobs, were single parents, or just weren't ready to attack college full time. These students are badly used by the school - a school that just seems to want to process them and move them along.
It could be that other campuses are not this horrid, or negligent. But in my experience NAU has forgotten its purpose. To educate.
I recommend going to a real college or university & avoiding these for-profit institutions that just want your money & don't care about your education.
Third Strike, NAU is OUT
School not recommended by
3rd Strike
on
April 26, 2010
8/9 people found this review helpful
I have commented on here a few times before regarding their policies, and now I have one thing left to say (for now)...I am WEEKS from graduation and they are saying I don't have enough credits to graduate! When I finish the last three classes I am currently taking, I will have 102 credits, which is over the 97.5 they require. The report they sent me says the reqirement is 4.5 credits per class but when I signed up and completed these classes to begin with, they were only wort 4.0 credits. Why on earth would they change the credit NOW and expect ME to reach down into my empty pockets to pay for extra classes to make this up?
Amazing
School recommended by
Happy!
on
April 22, 2010
3/8 people found this review helpful
I have had such a great experience with NAU. The Admissions staff is 100% dedicated to making sure all of my paperwork is complete and I am doing well. They take time to have a relationship with me and they care about how I am doing. I am taking online classes through a campus in the twin cities, and I couldn't be happier. Thanks NAU!
School recommended by
Cyrus Fruean
on
April 03, 2010
3/6 people found this review helpful
I was wrong on the previous reviews.They did reverse my gpa.The staff at this school is wonderful.I feel they are overworked.There are improvements that need to be made in the school, ie., career services.However, it has been a good school with very friendly staff.
POOR EXCUSE FOR A UNIVERISTY
School not recommended by
Cyrus Fruean
on
March 16, 2010
9/12 people found this review helpful
This school is by far the worst school anybody could ever attend.My gpa was miscalculated and, I showed the evidence of it.They refused to change it.I took a computer class and failed it the first time.The second time, I received a C.The dean at the Independence, MO campus is Cammie.She kept giving me the runaround.She said, "Oh, there some kind of error, and it'll be fixed."Whatever, you say.PLEASE DON'T GO THERE.IT IS A TERRIBLE SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!
A BIG RIPOFF OF A SCHOOL
School not recommended by
Cyrus Fruean
on
March 16, 2010
4/9 people found this review helpful
This is the worst possible school to go to.They have absolutely nothing to offer once you get there.They work like hell to get you enrolled there.They screwed up on my gpa.The dean at the Independence, MO campus was aware of the screw-up on my gpa, but she took no action whatsoever.THEY DO NOT HELP GRADUATES OR SOON-TO-BE GRADUATES IN JOB PLACEMENT, WHATSOEVER.They refuse to revert my gpa back to what it's suppose to be.
Zero Customer Service
School not recommended by
Dawne
on
January 20, 2010
13/16 people found this review helpful
NAU is a joke. I am paying good money for an education with zero customer service. It takes forever to get your book vouchers and getting someone to respond to a complaint is like pulling teeth from a lion. I will be transferring to another university for my Masters degree and advise anyone who is looking to further their education to look further than this college.
I am DONE with NAU!
School not recommended by
Jackson
on
January 12, 2010
15/18 people found this review helpful
I am sick of this school. I have had nothing but problems with them since day ONE.
Now, I am being forced to pay for a class that I have already taken and should have passed (due to technical difficulties, they are saying that I never finished the last two classes or the final...) I even offered to redo the things they are claiming I didn't do but they said no). I am due to graduate in May 2010 (only 4 months from now) and I am so upset, I am ready to completely drop out. This is not the only issue I have had with this "school".
If you are looking to continue your education, I would keep on looking. Don't waste your time or money.
Online Grade Grievance is a JOKE!
School not recommended by
Unhappy
on
January 08, 2010
14/18 people found this review helpful
I would NOT recommend this school...if you take online classes from them, you better keep track of every button you push or you will be accused of not doing your work and they will FAIL YOU.
I had my grade grievance meeting via phone call yesterday with three students and three faculty members. I had such high hopes to begin with but those hopes were quickly dashed when they allowed the students to facilitate 90% of the meeting. At one point, one of the students (with an atrocious valley girl accent) makes a statement to me and ends her sentence with "just sayin'". I am very familiar with the context in which this phrase is used and I felt very disrespected by her use of it towards me in this very serious situation.
This kid tries to tell me that she has a toddler and works full time and she still has time to do her work. I pointed out that I DID do my work and that I have THREE kids, a grandkid, am remodling a house and I work full time and have fibromyalgia on top of it all that leaves me in pain most of the time in my life.
I am supposed to graduate in May 2010, and this class could keep me from that. I really hope not because when I finally do graduate, I am going to run like hell away from that school and never look back. My point to this story is that their grade grievance process is one big joke and I would NOT recommend NAU to anyone hoping to further their education.
My Advice, Keep Looking!!
School not recommended by
Jime Leary
on
December 17, 2009
15/18 people found this review helpful
My experience with NAU has not been a good one. I feel that NAU is a sorry excuse for a university. When you investigate the credentials of their faculty, you'll find folks are teaching because of staffing convenience and not expertise. They don't pay their faculty well. so you get what they pay for, not what you are paying for.
NAU seems to be more interested in taking money from you than training you. The high cost to attend is not matched by what you recevie in return. It is a sorry operation and I cannot recommend the bad experience to anyone. Instead, I'd suggest that you keep looking.
Very bad experience with National American University - online classes
School not recommended by
Jael
on
May 12, 2009
14/18 people found this review helpful
Update review from December 2008 - Roseville campus intervened to change grades to incompletes but it wasn't easy for them to do it. By auditing those classes I am changing 2 F's to an earned grade. The online dean and her manager totally ignored me and many, many screen shots from the entire quarter. If your account works that's great if it doesn't you are in for a rough time for sure. Will receive bachelor's degree in Business during summer 09. Thank you Roseville Campus.
Fiancial Aid/Grade disputs
School not recommended by
Struggling
on
April 30, 2009
19/25 people found this review helpful
I enrolled at National American University in a 4 year Bachelor Degree program as a Paralegal. My first semester I had no problems at all and enjoyed the classes and teachers. Since then I have had nothing but problems concerning the financial aid department and with trying to disput one of my grades.
I had received a C as my final grade in one of my classes even though I had been carrying a high B throughout the semester. I have requested numerous times for my final paper grade to see my grade with no success. I have asked the instructor and the Academic Dean for the last 5 months again with no response. This grade effects my GPA and my ability to receive certain grant and scholarship opportunities.
The second most important issue is with the financial aid dept. I am disabled I cannot do physical work. That's why I am enrolled in college to change careers. The last two semesters I had to drop a class which lowered my grant funding but I am still considered 3/4 time. I needed the extra funds from dropping the class to live off of. It amounts to about $900.00 each semester. The problem is that the financial aid dept. doesn't adjust my award letters properly nor do they do it in a timely fashion. It seems as if after I had so many problems the first time (they told me my financial aid would not be affected by dropping the class, but it did!) that I complained to the head office, the Board of Higher Education and the Mn.State Deptartment of Education they are now determined to take as long as they can legally to adjust my awards. They still do not reflect adjustments made for my Federal and State grants properly. I am still waiting for my check even though it states in my account the money has been stipend to me and now this semester is almost over. It has taken them 8 weeks to send me my money.
Because of this delay I have almost lost all my belongings in storage. I had to pay hundreds of dollars in late fees, am looking at being evicted and losing my mother rings I inherited that are in the pawn shop. When I spoke to the financial aid head adminitrator I was told that I cannot use my grant funds (they apply my loans first instead of grant funding towards credit costs) for living expenses nor should I depend on that.
This hardship has been put on me unnecessarily causing me undo stress. It has left me with a bad taste in my mouth concerning this University to the point of quiting even though I like the curriculum. I have also asked about the FSEOG grant and what consitutes need in order to obtain this grant and have been told they do not know about it. Even though they received over $100,000 dollars last year in funding from the Government in the form of FSEOG grants. They only dispersed $35,000. On my FAFSA I was eligible for FSEOG. I would like to add that NAU states it works closely with students to make sure that they receive all financial aid and opportunities available for all their students. What I have experienced is the opposite. I was not informed of the 48 credits each year necessary to finish my 4 year bachelors degree on time. Nor was I given the funding to do so. I had to take out another student loan for my summer semester in the amount of $ 3,000. The University hangs onto grant funding gaining interest for their own investments and shows no concern over their students what so ever. I have sent over 10 E-mails to both the financial aid and the academic advisor and program director with no response. I am so angry at the lack of care since I am paying for their product!!!! They act as if they are doing me a favor instead of the fact that consumers like me are enriching their business and lining their pockets. Education should be a positive step for all who seek after it to better their lives and others. Institutions like this ruin people. Instead of focusing on my studies I am depressed and on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Being unable to confront the problem because no matter what authority I have contacted I am told the same thing. If it's not illegal there is nothing we can do. In closing I would like to say that there is something I plan on doing and that is in the future I am going to make institutions like these liable for deliberately causing undo hardships on students. They will be held accountable, laws will be put in place. I am pissed!!!!
NAU
School recommended by
Amy
on
March 01, 2009
17/17 people found this review helpful
Overall I have enjoyed NAU. The only issue I have is with Foundations of Math. All the testing is conducted on a site called Mathzone. It has a tendency to go down, and their help desk is closed on weekends. I was supposed to take assessments that I had failed earlier in the week, and of course, the site has been down now for 24 hours. Of course the semester is now over. I have emailed the instructor at least 5 times, and I have not received a reply. What does this mean for me? I have to take the class over. Currently, I am considering going to a campus to fulfill my math requirements.
NAU Moves to Slow
School not recommended by
Robert White
on
January 07, 2009
12/15 people found this review helpful
I had trouble from the beginning with NAU; they had not received my transcripts, which is not true as I talked to my previous colleges. They have a lot of trouble keeping records, especially grades. Be very aware that you may have to repeat courses that you've had at the Junior level, simply because they don't read your transcripts in a timely way.
Very bad experience with National American University - online classes
School not recommended by
Jael Sande
on
December 15, 2008
24/27 people found this review helpful
I enlisted the assistance of the online Dean and the CEO in Fall of 2008, armed with screen shots and very poor class coverage because of issues totally beyond my control. The Dean tried to tell me the issues were my fault but I cannot control their online class system, then when she agreed to an extension she forgot to tell the professors and make sure I then had access to the classes 3 times. Unforgivable
I went to the CEO and shared the experience he signed for the email I sent him - then ignored me as well. They have my money from my loan but I am going to take them to court for resolution, they must believe they are irreproachable.
The classes are not the best to begin with, when the system doesn't work they are useless. I will update later with results - Online is very different from campus, on campus they care and will work with the students.
Two Enthusiastic Thumbs Up
School recommended by
Nicholas McInerney
on
July 01, 2008
13/15 people found this review helpful
I have had a wonderful experience with NAU. I have been an exclusively online student. I have had great interactions from the beginning with constant communication and encouragement from my advisor and professors. Questions are answered promptly and I have always felt like I've had individual attention from my advisor to ensure I'm proceeding along my degree path appropriately. The online environment is good for learning and there aren't any expectations that aren't impossible to achieve or that don't seem to have a purpose as I have experienced in some other environments. I would recommend NAU to anyone.
National University Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
School recommended by
Kristin
on
June 24, 2008
14/18 people found this review helpful
My experience with National University was extremely positive. I wanted an online program that I could complete while continuing to work at my job, and the Criminal Justice Program at National University fit in perfectly. The course work challenged and engaged me, something I didn’t expect from an online degree program. Since I was learning something that so fascinated me it never seemed like work in reality, it seemed like something I was just experiencing and taking in. Working to better myself at my own pace felt great and made things easier in my hectic life. I knew I was working on something for myself and that it would benefit my life immeasurably. I had always been interested in juvenile criminal justice. I thought I could make a difference if I had the chance and the skills to work in the field. I took the opportunity and I am glad that I did, and I actually had fun doing it.
several questionable incidents with NAU
School not recommended by
anonymous
on
May 22, 2008
39/44 people found this review helpful
I had several questionable incidents with NAU, mostly related to administration of records and office support. Beware that the college does not maintain records in the manner it should; it is not uncommon to have grades recorded incorrectly and to have to wade through their cumbersome grievance procedure to correct the errors.
Due to the exceptionally high turnover in professors, academic deans, and other personnel you may experience other delays and annoyances. I stuck it out at NAU due to the time and money already invested, and the difficulty in transferring credits to other institutions. If you are considering NAU I would strongly suggest you look at other choices; you pay a lot per quarter credit (more than attending a public university) to receive a degree with much less stature.
NAU does have a fairly good WebCT environment, but make sure you save all e-mails, make print screen copies, and keep your records in order. The other positive of attending NAU is their Applied Management program that allows you to transfer in previous college course work as your core focus of management. On a scale of 1 to 10 NAU earns a solid 2. I highly recommend exploring other institutions.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration
School not recommended by
Marcus
on
May 08, 2008
78/88 people found this review helpful
Computer Career Institute @ John Hopkins University (CCI @ JHU), Maryland is the worst institute/college and I would not recommend any students there. The education and staff services are extremely poor. I am wasting my time and money to this college for not able to meet my career goals.
CCI @ JHU mission stated “Computer Career Institute at Johns Hopkins University offers career education that provides you with the knowledge, skills and abilities that today's employers seek. In just a few months, you could complete your career program!†(www.jhutraing.com)
I am currently a student at CCI @ JHU, attending a “fast track†for the Master Certificate Program of Medical Coding and Billing. When I met with the Adviser in December 2007 discussing about the Billing and Coding Program. I specially told her that I will be relocating in July and is it possible to complete the program including the externship. She said “yes†and mapped my scheduled that I will graduate by the end of June 2008 by attending both morning and afternoon classes. In April and May 2008, I spoke with the Director of Career Adviser for an externship in June in Maryland before I relocated. My goal is to complete the program before I relocated so I can get a job at my new location. The Director of Career Adviser refused and promised that she could find me an externship at my new location where I could get a job there. I trusted her expertise and gave her to August 2008. It has been over 8 months and I am still waiting. When I e-mailed the Director of Education in September 2008 about the externship, she called me back and stated, “You’re in Washington and the Director of Career Adviser does not know anyone there or the market.†In January 2009, I sent two complaint letters via e-mail (Jan. 14 & 18) and a hard copy of the complaint letter (Jan. 15) to the Campus Director. I have not heard back from her. I feel that I have been blame and ignore (out-of-mind, out-of-sight) since I am not living in Maryland.
Ten weeks in the coding class, the teacher taught us how to prepare for the exam. When myself and other students asked the teacher to teach real coding by using operative reports and doctor’s notes, her responded was “I don’t have time.â€
At this point, I am regretted to spend $11,000+ to the CCI @ JHU for the poor academic and staff services. I am wasting my time waiting for the externship when I could have gotten a job 8 months ago and bring home income. I strongly do not recommend CCI @ JHU to any students.
