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National Louis University (NLU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About National Louis University

Set in the center of Chicago's Loop, National Louis University has a reputation for practical academics. Students lean into strengths in teaching, human services, and management, with coursework that blends discussion, hands-on projects, and fieldwork. The campus offers bright classrooms, a learning commons, tutoring, advising, tech help, and counseling services that feel accessible.

Student life includes clubs, community projects, and easy access to theaters, galleries, and the lakefront. The culture is welcoming, flexible, and built for commuters, working adults, and first-generation students. Career prep shows up in resume labs, coaching, and internships tied to schools, nonprofits, and Chicago companies. And the location opens doors to neighborhoods where students study, serve, and start building their networks.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
122 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60603, USA
Phone
+1 (800) 443-5522
Website
nl.edu
Unit ID
147536

Academic & Institutional

Control
Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation
HLC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Quarter system (four terms per year: fall, winter, spring, summer)
Award Levels
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (P)
Other Award
Campus Setting
Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral - R3 (Moderate Research)
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$14,601
Tuition $13,776 + Fee $825
Out-of-State
$14,601
Tuition $13,776 + Fee $825
Student Profile
Total Students 8,270
Undergraduate 4,100
Graduate/Other 4,170
Male: 1,808 Female: 6,462
Applications
Total Applicants 4,145
Admitted 3,860
Enrolled 785
Acceptance: 93.1% Yield: 20.3%
Staff
Total Staff 1,203
Full-time 707
Part-time 496
Full-time: 58.8% Part-time: 41.2%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

National Louis University (NLU) offers 45 degree programs across 12 major academic fields, graduating approximately 2,207 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Education (15 programs, 1,130 graduates), Psychology (7 programs, 342 graduates), Business (5 programs, 176 graduates), Health (5 programs, 138 graduates) and Personal Services (2 programs, 104 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Education (15 programs, 1,130 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Early Childhood Education 344
Bachelor's
Master's
 13.1210
Curriculum and Instruction 213
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
 13.0301
Elementary Education 151
Bachelor's
Master's
 13.1202
Special Education Teaching 97
Master's
 13.1001
Educational Leadership and Administration 88
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
 13.0401
Educational and Curriculum Supervision 39
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
 13.0404
Middle School Education and Teaching 37
Master's
 13.1203
Secondary Education and Teaching 35
Bachelor's
Master's
 13.1205
Reading Teacher Education 35
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
 13.1315
Higher Education Administration 25
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
 13.0406
Teacher Education and Professional Development 25
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
 13.1299
Superintendency and Educational Administration 22
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
 13.0411
Learning Sciences 11
Master's
Post-Master's
 13.0607
School Counseling and Guidance 7
Doctorate (R)
 13.1101
Educational Administration and Supervision 1
Postbac Cert.
 13.0499
Psychology (7 programs, 342 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Counseling Psychology 113
Master's
Doctorate (R)
 42.2803
General Psychology 112
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
 42.0101
Clinical Psychology 47
Master's
Doctorate (P)
 42.2801
School Psychology 32
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
 42.2805
Applied Behavior Analysis 20
Master's
Post-Master's
Other Award
 42.2814
Community Psychology 10
Doctorate (R)
 42.2802
Industrial-Organizational Psychology 8
Master's
 42.2804
Business (5 programs, 176 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Business Administration and Management 99
Bachelor's
Master's
 52.0201
Management Science 40
Bachelor's
 52.1301
Organizational Leadership 14
Master's
 52.0213
Hospitality Management 12
Bachelor's
 52.0901
Human Resources Management 11
Master's
 52.1001
Health (5 programs, 138 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Medical and Health Management Assistant 96
Other Award
 51.0711
Health Administration and Management 20
Master's
 51.0701
Health and Medical Administration 13
Bachelor's
 51.0799
Mental Health Counseling 7
Postbac Cert.
 51.1508
Maternal and Child Health 2
Bachelor's
 51.2209
Personal Services (2 programs, 104 graduates)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Culinary Arts and Chef Training 84
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
 12.0503
Baking and Pastry Arts 20
Associate's
Other Award
 12.0501
Human Sciences (2 programs, 77 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Child Care Management 69
Bachelor's
Master's
 19.0708
Early Childhood and Family Studies 8
Bachelor's
 19.0711
Interdisciplinary (1 programs, 61 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Multi- and Interdisciplinary Studies 61
Bachelor's
 30.9999
Computer & IT (2 programs, 53 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Computer and Information Sciences 52
Bachelor's
 11.0101
Network and System Administration 1
Other Award
 11.1001
Public Services (3 programs, 52 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Public Administration and Social Services 21
Bachelor's
 44.9999
Social Work 20
Bachelor's
 44.0701
Public Administration 11
Master's
 44.0401
Social Sciences (1 programs, 49 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Criminology 49
Bachelor's
 45.0401

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at National Louis University (NLU).

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Rank
Neither required nor recommended
Secondary School Record
Required
College Preparatory Program
Neither required nor recommended
Recommendations
Neither required nor recommended
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
Admission Test Scores (SAT/ACT)
Neither required nor recommended
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$14,601
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$14,601
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$14,601
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$14,601
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$13,950 (off-campus)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$0
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$7,320 (off-campus)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$5,490
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$12,225
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$12,225
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

17%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$9,722
Avg. Loan
$5,719
Avg. Federal Loan
$4,858
Additional
Students with Any Grant
596
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
66
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
499
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$4,117
Average amount of institutional grant awarded
Show more financial aid data

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

37%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
56%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$26,351 – $68,973
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$26,351 (25th %) $68,973 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $45,799
Median Salary After 6 Years
$43,562
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$45,799
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
42.7%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
50.0%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$19,750
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 35.0%
Middle 47.2%
High 66.4%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 50.3%
Independent 41.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about National Louis University (NLU)

How much does it cost to attend National Louis University (NLU)?

The annual tuition at National Louis University (NLU) is $14,601 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $14,601 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $13,950 (off-campus) .

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does National Louis University offer?

National Louis University (NLU) offers 45 academic programs across 12 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional), Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (15 programs)
  • Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (7 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 programs)
  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (5 programs)
  • Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care (2 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for National Louis University?

National Louis University (NLU) has an 93.1% acceptance rate and a 20.3% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 4,145
  • Students admitted: 3,860
  • Students enrolled: 785

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at National Louis University?

National Louis University (NLU) provides financial aid to 17% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $9,722 and average loans of $5,719.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $4,902
  • State/Local grants: $5,737
  • Institutional grants: $4,117
  • Federal loans: $4,858

The university supports 596 students with grants and 66 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for National Louis University graduates?

National Louis University (NLU) graduates earn a median salary of $43,562 after 6 years and $45,799 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $26,351 (25th percentile) to $68,973 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $101,300 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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