American National University (ANU) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

The Roanoke Valley campus of National College is an institution of higher education that offers business and technical degrees at every level from professional diplomas to master’s degrees. The college first opened its doors in 1886 and has developed an excellent reputation throughout Southwest Virginia.

Though the school doesn’t offer intercollegiate sports, there are numerous student organizations and community activities available so that students may participate as active members of the campus in areas that are of interest to them.

Information Summary

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Overall Score (about)	Insufficient Data
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$18,414
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	100 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	N/A / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	1,072

Academics

National College offers several different business and technical degrees and diploma programs at their Roanoke Valley location including master’s and bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees and professional diplomas.

The MBA program offers students the opportunity for advancement in their careers that may not be available to them without the additional skills and knowledge that the master’s degree brings to their portfolio. Because National focuses on business and technical educations only, they have the unique reputation of focused programs that improve the business acumen of all that they educate.

Students wishing to pursue a bachelor’s degree at National College may choose from nearly 10 programs including Business/Information Systems, Information Technology and Database Administration. Students studying in the Business Administration program may earn a specialized degree in either accounting or management. Students who would like to pursue a career in departmental management in health care settings may choose to study in the Health Care Management program.

Though all programs are business oriented, there are nearly a dozen associate’s degree programs that address a wide variety of professions. Degree options include abbreviated versions of many of the bachelor’s programs as well as several para-professional degrees in such areas as paralegal, medical assisting, paramedic and web design. The Tourism and Hospitality program is also interesting; students get the opportunity to study in such diverse areas as careers in tourism, hospitality marketing and convention & event management.

The final opportunity available at National College’s Roanoke Valley location is a professional diploma. Areas of study for a diploma includes accounting, pharmacy technician, business administration, medical office assisting and tourism & hospitality.

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Admissions

Because National College offers several different levels of degrees, the admissions process varies widely. The application process is extremely simple though, regardless of the program to which the student is applying. The college recommends that all people who are considering applying to their college schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor in order to take a campus tour.

To apply for admission, students simply need to complete either the National College Application for Admissions or the National College of Business & Technology Application for Admissions (TN Campuses Only) and mail it to the campus that the student wants to attend. Students also need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit it as early as possible so that the student may be considered for all forms of aid available.

All applicants to National College who wish to complete a diploma, Associate of Science or bachelor’s program must have a minimum of a high school education verifiable by either an official transcript or copy of a GED. Depending upon the level of degree program being applied to, proof of higher education may also be required. There are additional requirements such as criminal background checks and vaccination records for those seeking to enter the emergency medical technician and paramedic programs.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to students at National College in the form of scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs. Students that wish to be considered for financial aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid that is available online starting in January. Students should apply as soon as possible in order to be eligible for all forms of aid because many programs are available on a limited basis on a first-come, first-served basis. National also offers students an opportunity to develop a payment plan in order to pay tuition.

In order to compete the FAFSA, financial information for both the student and the family will be required so students should have this information available prior to starting the application. There are many forms of aid available so students that need the aid should not automatically assume that they aren’t eligible.

Student Financial Aid Details

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Additional School Information

Students at National College are extremely active participants in their community and work constantly to give a little back. There are glowing examples of philanthropy by the school and students as well as numerous educational opportunities that are made available because of the tireless efforts invested in giving back a little something. Just a few examples of this include:

Students and staff of the EMT and Paramedic programs volunteer at the annual National College Blue Ridge Marathon and during the 2011 run, a runner went into cardiac arrest. Because of the quick action of the staff and students, the man was revived. They saved his life and were glad to do it.

When 130 of the 1-116th Charlie Company National Guard soldiers were deployed to Iraq, the college wanted to show its appreciation to the men and women who were going to be serving their county. National College presented a check to the Company’s Family Readiness Group to be used any way that saw fit.

National College’s Roanoke Valley campus hosts the National Eagles Toastmasters Club which is a non-profit club that helps local people develop public speaking and leadership skills by providing a forum for members to practice public speaking and receive feedback. Many National students also take advantage of the meetings by attending and participating in order to prepare for their future careers.

Students in the Food and Beverage class, as well as students in many other areas of study, are sometimes fortunate enough to benefit from presentations and lessons given by visiting local business owners. This gives students an opportunity to learn from people who are already active professionals in fields relevant to their areas of study.

Bibliography

National College: A Degree of Difference Since 1886.National College 2011. Web. 31 July 2011.

American National University