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. Unfortunately, the fate of the university did not fare much better and again closed its doors in 1970.
In 1971, the University again opened its doors and as Northrop University. 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. 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; by far the largest collection of aviation history to ever be displayed at any one location.
In August 1993, Northrop University closed its doors to the public. Mismanaged funds, decreased attendance and donations crippled the university in to bankruptcy. The universities door remain closed today though the campus still exists in Inglewood, California.
