#USA #San Diego #Cybersecurity #National University #Autumn Therapy

National University Celebrates the Class of 2026

National University (NU), renowned as one of the largest private nonprofit universities in the United States, has proudly graduated almost 6,800 students this spring, equipping them to step into critical professions that are in dire need across the country. The commencement ceremony, held at Frontwave Arena in San Diego, was addressed by prominent figures including Dr. Darshana Patel, California State Assemblymember, and Dr. Ted Mitchell, President of the American Council on Education.

Dr. Mark D. Milliron, the president and CEO of National University, highlighted the dedication and resilience of this year’s graduates, saying, "Our graduates this year represent the workforce that America needs to heal, teach, build, and protect our communities." With a diverse group that includes ages 50 and older and a significant proportion of veterans, this year's graduating class is emblematic of the shifting landscape in higher education.

A Diverse and Experienced Class

Particularly noteworthy is the strong representation of nontraditional students. Approximately 70% of the graduates have taken most of their classes online, and well over 80% are transfer students. The average age of National University students is 33 years, with nearly 1 in 7 graduates aged 50 or older. This reflects a growing trend where adults are seeking advanced credentials, new skills, and second careers after years in the workforce or in service to their country.

Among the graduates, 748 have completed degrees to become autism therapists. This is particularly significant given the national shortage of Board Certified Behavior Analysts and an increasing demand for bilingual and culturally responsive providers in this field. Families across the country are facing long wait times for services, making these new graduates all the more critical.

Furthermore, more than 1,000 teachers and educational leaders have also entered this year’s graduating class. Given the ongoing teacher shortages across all states, their entry into special education, early childhood education, and educational counseling comes at a crucial time.

In addition, more than 340 graduates have been trained as marriage and family therapists. This new workforce arrives amid a pressing need for mental health services across America, particularly as more than 150 million people live in areas lacking sufficient mental health professionals.

Addressing Critical Workforce Gaps in Cybersecurity and Nursing

The class also reflects efforts to address significant workforce gaps in other areas. Over 200 graduates have emerged from the cybersecurity program, while 265 students earned nursing credentials. The nursing sector is currently facing substantial challenges, with the profession still predominantly white. This shift in the demographic makeup of nursing graduates is essential to addressing long-standing disparities in healthcare access.

Second Acts and Second Chances

Emphasizing lifelong learning, the class includes nearly 1,000 graduates who are 50+ years old, many pursuing MBAs and other advanced degrees after significant prior experience in various careers. This trend highlights a growing understanding of education as a lifelong journey, rather than a one-time event.

Dr. Mitchell's comments on this evolution in higher education are particularly timely: "Through our work on the Carnegie Classifications, we are rethinking how higher education recognizes institutions that open doors and remove barriers for students. National University exemplifies a new category we call Opportunity Colleges and Universities."

Commitment to Serving Diverse Populations

National University’s founding principles are grounded in commitment to serving military, working, and other nontraditional students. With more than 150 programs available online and on-campus, NU emphasizes accessibility and flexibility. The programs include distinct course structures designed to accommodate the unique commitments of its students, fostering an education model that fits into their lives rather than the other way around.

As Dr. Patel eloquently noted, earning a degree represents perseverance and the courage to pursue challenges. As the graduating class looks toward their future, they carry not only their diplomas but the hope and potential to effect positive change in their respective fields.

With a legacy stretching back to 1971, National University continues to produce graduates ready to tackle critical roles in the workforce, addressing not just local but national needs. The school remains committed to educating the next generation of leaders skilled in navigating the complexities of modern professional landscapes. To learn more about their innovative programs and commitment to student success, visit NU.edu.