Enrollment
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Enrollment

When a student is ready to choose NLU, we want their application and acceptance to be as smooth as possible. We make their success three easy steps away, so they can join our community and jump into the next chapter of their lives.

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Step 1

Completing a free application is easy

QR Code to NLU Edu QuickApp
Just scan this QR code or go to nl.edu.quickapp
NLU also accepts Common App.
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Step 2

Applying for financial aid

If applying for financial aid, complete the FAFSA or Alternative App
NLU FAFSA Code: 001733
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Step 3

Submit high school transcripts

We believe that test scores are not always a good indicator of a student’s potential, so those scores are optional. To be considered for acceptance, students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA (3.0 for Nursing and 3.3 for Honors Program).

Transcripts can be submitted by:

1. Parchment via
Naviance
2. Email a PDF or screenshot to documents@nl.edu
3. Mail them to:
National Louis University
Office of Admissions
1000 Capitol Drive
Wheeling, IL 60090
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Key Application Dates

December 1, 2024: Priority Application
December 1, 2024: FAFSA and Alternative Application for Illinois- RISE Act 2025-2026
March 1: Nursing Application
April 1: Honors Program Application

We're happy to provide updates on a student's progress through the enrollment process, including application status and student-specific next steps.

NLU First-Time Freshman Enrollment Timeline

Timing
Step
Student Activity
Now
Apply
We accept applications on a rolling basis.  This means completed applications are reviewed first come, first served.
February
Review
Early award letters should be reviewed, and plans made to cover tuition.
If FAFSA still needs to be completed, click here.  NLU’s FAFSA school code is 001733.
March-June
Commit & Deposit

Commitments to attend NLU are made by submitting a non-refundable $50 tuition deposit:

  • Online at nl.edu/deposit, or
  • In-person at the Chicago campus (122 S. Michigan Ave.) Mon-Thurs, 8:30 am to 6 pm, or Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm
  • By phone at 888.658.8632 ext. 5350

We accept check, money order, cash or credit card. The non-refundable tuition deposit will be applied toward the student’s NLU tuition.

A deposit does not guarantee placement. Placement is dependent on completing all required enrollment steps.

March-June
Meet
Student schedules a time to meet with the Student Finance Office.
Times can be scheduled at nl.edu/financial-aid-workshop.
April-May
Attend
Student attends Admit Day.
This is an opportunity for the student to explore the campus, work with financial aid representatives, meet coaches and faculty, and learn more about the majors we offer.
May 1
National College Decision Day
Be sure that the $50 tuition deposit has been made and celebrate the student’s commitment to NLU on social media using the hashtag #1ChooseNLU
Questions? Contact freshman@nl.edu
June-August
Connect & Attend Orientation
Student attends a mandatory orientation session and meets our Success Coaches, who will help them transition to college and register for classes.
Coaches will reach out to students once all enrollment steps have been completed.
June 30
Submit

Final transcripts and test scores must be submitted before student is fully admitted and able to register for classes.

  • After high school graduation, final transcripts and (optionally) ACT/SAT composite and subject area scores are submitted directly to NLU (an official score report from ACT/SAT is not needed).
  • Official e-transcripts are accepted and must be submitted to document@nl.edu.  Transcripts and ACT/SAT score can also be mailed to: National Louis University, Attn: Office of Admissions, 1000 Capitol Drive, Wheeling, IL 60090.
  • If dual-credit coursework has been taken, college transcripts of credits earned can be submitted to documents@nl.edu
August 1
Complete

By August 1, these enrollment steps must be completed:

  • Pay tuition deposit
  • Clear any financial aid holds
  • Submit final transcripts

If these steps have not been successfully completed, acceptance may be deferred to the winter term.

September
Start School
Monday, September 22, 2025

Questions?

Contact freshman@nl.edu
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Tuition & Financial Aid