Acceptance Rate
95%
“A Chicago-based university with a deep commitment to accessible education for nontraditional students.”
Chicago, IL
Location
Large City
Campus Setting
National Louis University, founded in 1886, started as a pioneer in teacher training, named after its early benefactor, philanthropist Elizabeth Harrison, who aimed to revolutionize early childhood education. Located in the heart of Chicago, NLU has evolved into a private, nonprofit institution with a mission to serve diverse learners, especially adult students, working professionals, and those balancing life’s demands with education. Its urban setting means the city itself becomes an extension of the campus, offering endless cultural and professional resources, but it also lacks the traditional, self-contained college feel some students might crave.
This university thrives as a haven for nontraditional students—think returning adults, first-generation learners, or those seeking flexible schedules with online and hybrid options. If you’re someone who values practicality over pomp, and you’re driven to earn a degree while juggling real-world responsibilities, NLU’s supportive, no-frills environment will feel like home. However, if you’re looking for a quintessential college experience with sprawling quads and spirited game days, you might find NLU’s commuter-heavy, urban vibe less engaging.
Chicago’s dynamic energy surrounds NLU, with its main campus near iconic landmarks like the Loop and Lake Michigan. The city offers unparalleled access to internships, networking, and cultural experiences, from world-renowned museums to vibrant neighborhoods. On the flip side, the cost of living in Chicago can strain budgets, and navigating the urban bustle might overwhelm students unaccustomed to big-city life.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
National Louis University stands out for its focus on education, business, and human services, with a legacy rooted in preparing teachers through its National College of Education. You’ll find programs tailored for real-world application, like undergraduate and graduate degrees in early childhood education, counseling, and organizational leadership, often designed with working students in mind. The university emphasizes accessibility, offering flexible formats—think evening classes and online learning—that cater to busy schedules.
Classroom experiences at NLU often prioritize practicality over theoretical depth, which suits career-focused learners but might leave those hungry for rigorous academic debate wanting more. Smaller class sizes in many programs allow for personal attention, though some popular tracks can feel stretched thin with resources. If you’re seeking cutting-edge research or highly competitive STEM fields, NLU may not be the ideal fit, as its strengths lie in applied, community-oriented learning rather than large-scale innovation or lab work.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
4,471 undergrad • 4,444 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
29%
Black / African American
20%
Hispanic / Latino
36%
Asian
3%
Other / Multi-racial
12%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Chicago, IL
Varsity Athletics
Campus life at National Louis University reflects its commuter-centric identity, with many students balancing jobs, families, and studies, so the social scene leans more toward purposeful networking than lively tailgates. You can expect a typical week to involve attending classes (often in the evening or online), connecting with peers through small group projects, and tapping into Chicago’s endless events rather than on-campus parties. NLU fosters a tight-knit, supportive atmosphere among its diverse student body, but the lack of a traditional residential campus means you’ll need to be proactive to build community.
There aren’t many long-standing traditions or spirited rivalries here, as the focus stays on academic and professional growth over school spirit. The urban location brings both excitement and challenges—winters are harsh with biting winds off Lake Michigan, and the cost of housing nearby can add up quickly. Still, if you embrace city life, you’ll love weaving Chicago’s cultural offerings into your student experience, from exploring local festivals to grabbing deep-dish pizza after class.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Athletics
Athletic Association
NAIA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$14,148
$30K – $48K
$13,981
$48K – $75K
$15,503
$75K – $110K
$19,993
$110K+
$21,543
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
50%
4 Years Graduation Rate
45%
6 Years Graduation Rate
50%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$45,799
50% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at National Louis University and return in the fall. 45% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 50% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
45%
4-5 years
5%
6-8 years
2%
Non-grad
48%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$13,419
Acceptance
95%
Undergrads
4,471
4-Year Grad Rate
45%
Endowment
$18M
Chicago, IL 60603
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