Performance
Performance Measures
Graduation Rates
| Program | Retention Rate | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine | 94% | 90% |
| Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine | 76% | 65% |
| Master of Science in Acupuncture | 73% | 67% |
| Master of Science in Oriental Medicine | 100% | 100% |
| Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science | 70% | 78% |
| Master of Science in Advanced Clinical Practice | 67% | N/A |
NUHS students may fail to graduate for a variety of non-academic reasons including but not limited to: student illness or death, family issues, program transfer, etc. The graduation rates reflect 150% of the normal time to completion.
Default Rates
The most recent federal loan default rate, as reported by the Department of Education, was in September 2019, which calculated a default rate of 0.5% for National University borrowers. The Department of Education maintains a listing of the cohort default rate for all postsecondary schools here. We are proud of our consistently low default rates that show that our graduates are able to make their repayment obligations.
Placement Rates and Professional Success
National University has been surveying graduates every five years for the last 20 years. In that time, the figures on graduates still practicing as chiropractic physicians after 5, 10, 15, and 20 years have remained very stable. Generally, 95% are practicing as DCs. Of the remaining 5%, some are teaching, doing research, have moved to a different state/province, or are having health/disability issues, etc. National is working on gathering information from graduates of the ND, MSAc and MSOM programs as the first graduates of those programs began practicing in 2009 and 2010.
Board Scores
DC Exam Performance – National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
National University’s unique learning format integrates knowledge with application and prepares students to succeed as skilled, competent chiropractic physicians. Our innovative curriculum, and the dedication of our faculty and students to a tradition of excellence, plays a major role in students’ preparation for the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) examination and results in consistently outstanding pass rates. See National DC students’ board score performance in comparison to other chiropractic colleges.
ND Exam Performance – Naturopathic Physicians Licenseing Exam (NPLEX)
With extensive basic science coursework, and year-round classes in our trimester system, the ND program will be building NPLEX review and advanced topics pertinent to the NPLEX Part 1 right into our curriculum. This will allow our students to lift and shift their extensive science knowledge to NPLEX, and to the Internships. NUHS is also undertaking adjustments to the layout, content, timing, and emphasis of several key subject areas to better support our students in NPLEX Part 2. In the very short term, we are building more NPLEX related review, including sample questions, right into the curriculum.
MSAc & MSOM Exam Performance – National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
Students in the MSAc and MSOM degree programs are qualified to sit for the NCCAOM examinations that provide certification to practice as a licensed acupuncturist. Historically, NUHS students have performed above national standards on these exams.
MT Exam Performance – National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork & Massage Bodywork Licensing Examination
Upon completion of the one-year evening program leading to certification as a massage therapist, students are then eligible to sit for the mandatory national certification examination in therapeutic massage and bodywork. National MT students traditionally score well above both state and national averages for these exams. See National MT students’ board score performance in comparison to state and national scores.
