Scholarships & Grants
Funded by National University
National University funds a variety of scholarships and grants. Below is a list of available scholarships and grants funded by National University.
In order to be eligible for a National University scholarship all students must complete a FAFSA
Transfer to Success Scholarship
The Transfer to Success Scholarship is intended for California or Nevada community college students, or students from an approved out-of-state community college, who will enroll at National University directly from community college with the goal of earning a bachelor’s degree. The award will pay up to $5,000 and the admission fee will be credited to the student’s account. No formal scholarship application is required and funds are automatically awarded to qualified students.
To be eligible for this award, students must meet the following qualifications:
- Be enrolling for the first time at the University
- Be in good academic standing at the community college and have an incoming 2.0 grade point average at the time of application to National University
- Have completed at least 30 semester units at an approved community college
- Have completed their last semester at an approved community college within 24 months of applying
- Be formally accepted to the University (All transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of applying)
Transfer to Success Scholarship funds will only be applied toward the tuition cost for academic coursework. The award will cover 50 percent of two courses completed within the first six months, and full tuition for the last two courses in the degree program.
This award applies only to courses governed by the University’s standard tuition rate. Good luck in your degree program.
NOTE: Students who qualify for the above scholarship are not eligible to receive other National University provided scholarships. Some federal financial aid, cohort, military or employer tuition reduction or reimbursement programs may affect eligibility. For questions, please contact the Scholarship Department at scholarships@nu.edu.
Collegiate Honor Award
Tuition scholarships of up to $2,000 are available to students who have demonstrated exceptional scholastic achievement and are in need of financial assistance. To be eligible for this award, applicants must have completed 54 semester units at a U.S. regionally accredited community college or four-year college with an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.5 on a scale of 4.0. Awards will be credited to students’ accounts in increments, up to the maximum of $500 per course. The application form is available online through the student portal.
Military Tuition Scholarship
Military Tuition Scholarships of up to $2,500 are available to military personnel, including active duty, reservists, national guardsmen/ women, their spouses, and their dependents. The scholarship is intended to benefit educationally and economically disadvantaged personnel and their family members who have demonstrated financial need.
For active duty personnel to qualify, they must have exhausted the aggregate amount of their military tuition assistance and all military educational benefits. In order to determine financial need, an applicant must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be done online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The applicant must also submit a letter describing personal circumstances that make earning an education important. In making the awards, preference will be given to applicants seeking undergraduate degrees. Awards will be credited to a student’s account in increments up to a maximum of $500 per course toward tuition.
The application is available online through the student self-service portal. The letter describing personal circumstances should be sent to:
The Office of Scholarships
National University
9980 Carroll Canyon Road
Scripps Ranch, CA 92131
Presidential Tuition Scholarship
Presidential Tuition Scholarships of up to $2,500 are available to undergraduate transfer students in at least one of the following categories:
- Educationally and economically disadvantaged persons who have been historically underrepresented at higher educational institutions (African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans)
- Single parents with demonstrated financial need
- Persons with a verified disability and financial need
Applicants must also meet all of the eligibility criteria listed below. They must:
- Have an annual income below $18,000 for single applicants or $25,000 for a family of two or more
- Demonstrate a cumulative college grade point average of 2.30 on a 4.00 scale
- Have at least 56 semester hours of credit from an accredited college or university
- Apply for federal and state financial aid
- Be an undergraduate student working toward a first bachelor’s degree
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Awards will be credited to students’ accounts in increments, up to the maximum of the full cost of tuition per course. The application form is available online through the student portal.
Veterans’ Victory Scholarship
The Veteran Center is pleased to offer the Veterans’ Victory Scholarship to qualified applicants. The scholarship offers up to $5,000 based on academic or community achievement and financial need. The National University Veterans’ Victory Scholarship is considered a “last money” scholarship and is designed to supplement military GI Bill® Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 educational benefits when those benefits are exhausted during the current National University degree program. This scholarship is not intended to replace federal and state financial aid, employer tuition assistance or student income and will only be used to help fund remaining tuition that does not exceed $5,000.00 in a student’s academic degree program, helping “bridge the gap” to degree completion. Concurrent receipt of the Veterans’ Victory Scholarship and Chapter 30, Chapter 31, Chapter 33, Chapter 35, or Active Duty Tuition Assistance is not allowed.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a Veteran of the United States Armed Forces
- Be an active student enrolled at National University
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 for Undergraduate Degrees.
- Minimum GPA of 3.5 for Graduate Degrees.
- Have completed a minimum of 18 units or four courses at National University
- Not be in receipt of any VA Education Benefit (Chapter 30, Chapter 31, Chapter 33, and Chapter 35) or Active Duty Tuition Assistance
- Not be in receipt of any other National University scholarship or discount
- Must have exhausted Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 GI Bill Educational benefits (on current National University degree program)
- Full-time employees of National University are not eligible for the Veterans’ Victory Scholarship
Eligibility Confirmation and How to Apply:
Interested student applicants should contact the Veteran Center Manager Karla Payne or the Veteran Center Coordinator Rudy Duero, in order to confirm eligibility and receive the most current scholarship application at veterancenter@nu.edu. Applications received without prior eligibility confirmation will not be considered for this scholarship.
National University Veteran Center
9338 Lightwave Avenue, Room 171, San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: (858) 541-7780
Fax: (858) 541-7789
Email: veterancenter@nu.edu
Harmony Scholar Program
The Harmony Scholar Program in Social Emotional Learning will reward outstanding students who have demonstrated the potential for academic excellence with a full-tuition scholarship to promote teacher leadership in social emotional learning in their future schools and districts. All Harmony Scholars are considered ambassadors for Sanford College of Education and the Harmony Scholar Program.
There are multiple requirements for candidates applying for the Harmony Scholar Program. Applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. As part of the admission criteria to the Harmony Scholar Program, a credential packet must be completed and the CBEST must be passed. To maintain the scholarship, the CSET must be passed and scores submitted before the end of ITL 608, Design and Process of Teaching.
Applicants will be recommended for the program by the Selection Committee and approved by the Interim Dean of the Sanford College of Education, Dr. Donna Elder. The scholarship only applies to courses in the Master of Education in Inspired Teaching and Learning with an emphasis in Social and Emotional Learning. The tuition award will be automatically applied toward tuition after the add/drop date of the term (ninth day). Award will be considered an educational resource when determining eligibility for federal student aid.
Eligibility Requirements
The Harmony Scholar Program in Social Emotional Learning is open to all National University students seeking Master of Education with an emphasis in Social Emotional Learning. Harmony Scholars must maintain adequate progress toward the degree, completing a minimum of 45 units per year. Students must maintain GPA of 3.5.
Application Process
Each applicant is required to submit:
- A resume and cover letter
- Proof of passage of California Test of Basic Skills
- A two-minute or less video explaining why you want to be a teacher leader specializing in social emotional learning
- A two- to three-page paper, double spaced with 12-point font, addressing your professional goals, your leadership experiences, and how you plan to become a leader in your school and district in social emotional learning
- Two letters of recommendation addressing your ability to work in the teaching field and leadership skills
Any questions about the application process can be sent to Dr. Donna Elder, Associate Dean, Sanford College of Education, at delder@nu.edu.
Selection
A committee composed of full-time faculty members and the Associate Dean of the Sanford College of Education will screen all applications and make a recommendation to the Interim Dean Sanford College of Education, who will make the final decision.
Recognition, Engagement, and Responsibility
Selected applicants to the Harmony Scholar Program will receive a scholarship for tuition. Tuition scholarships are disbursed monthly after the drop deadline (tenth day). Each candidate is expected to make adequate progress toward the degree which requires a minimum of 45 credit units in a year. Each candidate’s progress will be reviewed quarterly. Harmony Scholars must maintain a 3.5 GPA.
There will be special events planned for the Harmony Scholars, and all scholars are required to attend. All Harmony Scholars will complete the Harmony professional development within a quarter after receiving the scholarship. The professional development will be offered virtually. Harmony Scholars are required to complete the Social Emotional Emphasis in the Master of Education degree. This will require a program change after the January catalog is published with the Master of Education with an emphasis in Social Emotional Learning. While engaged in their coursework, Harmony Scholars may be asked to speak about their experiences as a Harmony Scholar. Upon completion of the program, Harmony Scholars will meet to develop a plan of action as they enter into their teaching careers. Harmony Scholars will maintain contact with the Sanford College of Education for one year after completing the program.
Public Safety Promise Scholarship
National University proudly supports Public Safety personnel from a broad spectrum of agencies and departments. The Public Safety Promise is intended for all employees in Public Safety, both sworn and non-sworn, nationwide, who have the goal of earning an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree. The Scholarship will pay 25% toward tuition and 10% for dependents.
National University also considers required work training, such as Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), as well as many others, to transfer in as academic credit. This will allow a student to save time and money.
No formal scholarship application is required, and the Public Safety Promise scholarship’s funds are automatically awarded to qualified students after submission of an Employee Verification form. The form can be sent directly to an advisor at admissions@nu.edu for submission.
For more information and questions refer to Public Safety Promise page.