Northrop University was founded in 1942 by Jack Northrop of Northrop Aviation. Originally named the Northrop Aeronautical Institute, the school opened for classes in June 1946 to 412 students committed to and/or already employed by Northrop Aviation. The school was founded by Jack Northrop for the purpose of training aeronautical engineers and mechanics.
Due to financial difficulties the school became independent from the Northrop Aircraft corporation in 1953 and the name of the school changed to The Northrop Institute of Technology . In 1971, the schools name was changed to Northrop University. The University was located at 1155 W. Arbor Vitae St, Inglewood, California. Administered by previous alumni and faculty, the University offered bachelors and masters degree programs in aeronautical sciences, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, computer science and design engineering project management. Northrop University added business and law to the curriculum. In 1975, the school received a large donation from its original founder to build the American Hall of Aviation. The museum enjoyed great notoriety from its housing of the David D. Hatfield collection of aviation history and to accept donations from individuals and corporations. Donations were tax deductible. It once housed over half a million pieces of historic value; by far the largest collection of aviation history to ever be displayed at any one location.
Northrop University was accredited by the Western Association of School and Colleges(WASC). WASC is one of the nationally recognized accrediting bodies in the U.S. Northrop University received accredited standard in 1960 and the final month and year of being accredited was February, 1992.
In August 1993, Northrop University closed its doors to the public. Mismanaged funds, decreased attendance and lack of donations crippled the university in to bankruptcy. The university's doors remain closed today, though the campus still exists in Inglewood, California.