tuition & financial aid
We believe education should be affordable and available to everyone, not just an elite group of people. That’s why NLU’s base tuition is often less than what it would cost to attend a community college. And for many, after grants and scholarships, the cost of attending could actually be zero dollars.
Being able to afford one of the most respected career-focused degrees in the Chicago area is within reach.
Tuition and fees (All Programs except Culinary Arts, Nursing & Certificates)
$12,705/year
Tuition
Student Fee
U-Pass (optional)
Laptop Fee (optional, subject to change based on the market price)
$11,880
$825
$360
$700
Maximum grants and scholarships
$15,795/year
Maximum Federal Pell Grant
Maximum IL State MAP Grant
$7,395
$8,400
Your out-of-pocket costs
$0
Culinary Programs
Approximate tuition
$6,200 per term
Nursing Program
Additional fees apply to Undergraduate tuition after term five
Certificate Programs (Total Program Cost)
Medical Assistant tuition
CCNA, IT Support Specialist & Registered Behavior Technician tuition
$7,200
$6,075
NLU Student Finance is here to assist students with:
Preparing and completing the FAFSA/Alternative Application
Understanding and submitting financial aid paperwork
Working through verification steps, which may include the need to provide additional information
One-on-one appointments are available to make sure students have the funding they need to complete their degree.
In addition, NLU awards $4.5 million in grants and scholarships each year, including:
Believe In Your Best Scholarship: up to $12,000
NLU Community Heroes Scholarship: Reduces tuition by up to 15%
NLU Eagle Dream Scholarship: up to $5,355
Presidential Honors Scholarship: up to $2,000
Individual District Scholarship (If not offered in your district, call the NLU Counselor Hotline. 1-847-947-5687)
Additional external scholarships, such as The Dream.US - up to $33,000 plus a stipend up to $6,000 - may be available.
Additional Aid Options
You can also get aid from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Opens: December 1, 2024
Priority deadline: March 1
NLU FAFSA CODE: 001733
And the Alternative Application For Illinois - Rise Act
Opens: December 1, 2024
Priority deadline: March 1
If you or your student have questions, contact studentfinance@nl.edu or 888.658.8632 (ext. 5350)