National UniversityReviews of nu.edu

1-Star Review My experience with National University’s financial aid office has been extremely frustrating. I am still waiting for my 2025–2026 financial aid disbursement, and despite repeatedly contacting advisors, I have received nothing but different explanations and excuses instead of clear answers or a resolution.

Originally I rated it one due to the frustration and confusion I felt by the miscommunication from advisors. With that being said, I changed it due to my positive interactions with Mitzi and Michael. They were extremely helpful with clearing the confusion. They also acknowledged that what happened is valid. So thank you for regaining my trust.

Each time I call, I wait on hold for five minutes or more, only for the call to disconnect. I have been unable to get any meaningful information regarding my financial aid, and I have not received a disbursement since January. As a result, all of my bills are behind, and my credit score has suffered significantly. It is now the end of July, and I have only two classes remaining before graduation. I find it extremely frustrating that I am expected to continue meeting my academic obligations while receiving little to no communication about the status of my financial aid. The lack of transparency and support has created an unnecessary financial hardship during what should be the final stretch of my degree program. I used to recommend this university to my family and friends because of the positive experiences I had in the past. Unfortunately, this situation has completely changed my opinion. I can no longer recommend the school in good faith, and I now advise others to consider pursuing their education elsewhere. At this point, I feel I have exhausted every reasonable avenue to obtain answers. If this matter is not resolved promptly, I will have no choice but to explore my options, including seeking legal advice.

My experience with National University’s Financial Aid department has been horrendous. I started attending NU in February, and nearly six months later I am still dealing with two major unresolved financial aid issues. First, my Direct Unsubsidized Loan was originally approximately $17,000 and was later reduced to approximately $10,000, with no satisfactory explanation for such a significant decrease. Second, my Grad PLUS loan still has not even been packaged, despite completing everything requested and repeatedly being assured it would be processed. At one point, I was specifically told it had been processed through NU’s legacy system, only to later receive conflicting information that it would not be processed. The financial consequences have been significant. I have fallen behind on my mortgage and even provided NU documentation showing my financial hardship. I was told my case would be escalated and that a supervisor would contact me, but nobody ever did. Even more concerning, student loan debt has been showing on my credit report for approximately a month and accruing interest, while I have not received the corresponding funds. Had NU told me months ago that my Grad PLUS would not be processed or that my Unsubsidized Loan would be reduced by thousands of dollars, I could have made completely different financial decisions. Instead, I have spent nearly six months calling, emailing, receiving conflicting answers, and waiting for promised follow-ups that never happen. For students who depend on financial aid or Grad PLUS loans, I would strongly recommend considering another university. Had I known I would spend nearly six months dealing with reduced aid, an unpackaged Grad PLUS loan, conflicting information, and unanswered escalation requests, I would have chosen a different school. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend National University.

Their lack of transparency, planning and movement for their financial aid department is near nefarious. They have held my funds despite them receiving them for my program. Their lack of transparency as to when the VERY late FA disbursements will be sent ( that are overdue and not their money to keep) has to be against the law and violating the rules that govern FA. I will now have to withdraw as I have been waiting on those funds due to reducing my work which reduces my income. If I end withdrawing I will be looking elsewhere to finish my graduate program.

This school is terrible with financial aid.My student loans and grants disappear. They say they can’t do disbursement because of system change Yet on the department of education site I have disbursed loan with interest. This is suspicious because the supervisor I spoke stated they haven’t disbursed any loans. I have been given misleading information since april.

I contacted their advising office for two syllabi to see if my current college would accept credits from NU. I called and emailed multiple times and they never get back to me in a meaningful way. Only thing I got were other peoples emails and those people wouldn’t answer. They are very nice, but by no means helpful even in the slightest. This school just seems like an administrative nightmare. Save your time and effort.

This organization cannot be trusted with finances. Financial aid appears, then disappears after registration (with the explanation there is a new computer system). However the tuition bill, that they manage to recover. Avoid this instution unless you are independently wealthy and can afford to have money disappear.