Cost & ROI · 2026
Is National American University-Rapid City worth it?
Pay $31,062/yr after aid. Graduates earn a median of $37,325 ten years out — about 1.2× the annual cost. EduGradify value grade: D.
The ROI math, in 30 seconds
Benchmarks
National American University-Rapid City vs South Dakota avg vs national avg
How this school stacks up against the typical South Dakota college and the typical US college.
| Metric | National American University-Rapid City | South Dakota avg | National avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg net price | ▼ $31,062 | $17,117 | $18,467 |
| Median earnings 10y | ▼ $37,325 | $46,426 | $50,834 |
| Median debt | ▼ $29,020 | $21,822 | $19,694 |
| Graduation rate | ▼ 0% | 47.9% | 49.9% |
| Acceptance rate | — | 82.1% | 72.3% |
Hidden cost
What you actually pay, by family income
Net price after grants and scholarships changes a lot depending on family income. Find your bracket.
Total cost
4-year cost projection
Estimated net price each year through graduation, assuming a typical 3% annual tuition increase.
Sticker price (without aid) would run roughly $137,808 over four years. Most students get $3,390/yr in grants and scholarships.
Debt math
Loan repayment scenarios
If you borrow the median $29,020 at a 6.5% federal rate, here's what each repayment plan looks like.
Debt-to-earnings: 78% of one year's median pay. Financial advisors recommend keeping student debt under 100% of expected first-year salary. You're below the recommended ceiling.
Lifetime impact
Lifetime earnings boost vs no degree
Over a typical 40-year career, the median National American University-Rapid City grad earns about -$307,000 more than a high school graduate (assuming HS median ≈ $45k/yr, BLS).
Caveat: this is a population median, not a guarantee. Actual outcomes vary widely by major, career path, and individual choices. We're showing the median to set realistic expectations.
The verdict
What the numbers say about National American University-Rapid City
The average student at National American University-Rapid City pays $31,062 a year after grants and scholarships, against a $34,452 published sticker price. That is above the SD average net price of $17,117.
Ten years after entry, graduates earn a median of $37,325 — below the SD median of $46,426. Weighed against what students actually pay, EduGradify models this as an exceptional investment.
Typical graduates borrow about $29,020, roughly $315 a month on a standard ten-year plan — a heavy load at about 78% of one year's median earnings.
Smart alternatives
Cheaper South Dakota colleges with comparable outcomes
Same state, at least 20% lower net price, with earnings within reach of National American University-Rapid City.
Mitchell, SD · Public Mitchell Technical College B 
Rapid City, SD · Public Western Dakota Technical College B Frequently asked
Cost & ROI questions
What is the net price at National American University-Rapid City?
The average net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $31,062 per year. That's $3,390/yr in financial aid against the $34,452 sticker price. Over four years, that adds up to roughly $124,248.
How much do National American University-Rapid City graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, National American University-Rapid City graduates earn a median of $37,325 per year — below the national average of $50,834. That's about 1.2× the annual net cost.
How much debt do National American University-Rapid City graduates take on?
Median federal loan debt at graduation is $29,020 — about $315/month on a standard 10-year repayment plan (assuming a 6.5% federal rate). 53.6% of students take federal loans.
Is National American University-Rapid City worth the cost?
EduGradify assigns National American University-Rapid City a value grade of D — top 97% on real ROI nationally. The math: pay $31,062/yr, earn $37,325/yr ten years out, ROI score of 3.00. Exceptional Investment.
What financial aid is available at National American University-Rapid City?
57.1% of students receive federal Pell Grants (need-based federal aid). 53.6% take federal student loans. On average, students get $3,390 per year in grants and scholarships off the sticker price.
What's the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at National American University-Rapid City?
In-state tuition is $16,065 per year. Out-of-state tuition is $16,065 per year — a difference of $0/yr or $0 over four years.
How does net price change with family income at National American University-Rapid City?
Net price is income-adjusted — lower-income families typically pay much less. Students from families earning under $30k pay about $31,062. See the chart below for all five income bands.
How we calculate ROI
Every number on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. ROI score = (median earnings 10 years out × 10) / (avg net price × 4). The higher the ratio, the more graduates earn per dollar invested. We then percentile-rank every US college on that score to assign letter grades A+ through D. Read the full methodology →