Why NLU

National Louis University is a Top 5 private university choice among Chicago Public School graduates, with graduates participating and thriving in almost every community throughout the Chicago area and beyond. More than ever, NLU is the choice for students who want a degree that makes a difference in their lives and the lives of others.

A man and a woman representing the NLU

NLU is career-focused

National Louis University offers more than 70 career-focused undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, certificate and endorsement programs in fields such as education, business, psychology, hospitality management and culinary arts. Plus, we provide every student with the support they need to find the career they want.

The Career Bridge program provides resources such as career advising, résumé reviews, internships, externships and networking events.
A Career Assessment helps students learn about themselves.
An NLU Career Coach can give career suggestions based on your student’s interests, help them browse careers and search available programs.
NLU’s mock interview practice, job fairs and internship fairs help students prepare for post-college life.
NLU offers Resume Workshops, Cover Letter Review and LinkedIn Development.
Students can have direct communication with employers partnered with NLU.
Woman in his bed using the computer

NLU is affordable

A degree from NLU opens the door to the same income that a graduate of a top Chicago-area 4-year school would earn, for less than the cost of many community colleges. That’s why Washington Monthly calls National Louis University a “#1 Best Bang for your Buck in the Midwest.”

Mother and daughter making cupcakes

NLU is flexible

College students nowadays have active work, family and social lives. That’s why we’ve built a college to fit around them with flexible schedules.  Most programs meeting only two times a week. NLU is college that fits your students’ lives, not the other way around.

Here’s an example of a schedule for a full-time, daytime student:

Mon
Tue
Wed
tHU
fRI
Flexible Time
Campus Time
Flexible Time
Campus Time
Flexible Time
Time With Coach
Tutoring
Online Course Work
Part-time Work or Internship
9am - 12pm
English 101
12pm - 1pm
Lunch Break
1pm - 4pm
Psychology 101
Internship
Study Tables
Student Clubs
Homework
9am - 12pm
Science
12pm - 1pm
Lunch Break
1pm - 4pm
English Lab / Career Development
Workout
Study
Time With Friends
Homework or Online Course Work

NLU is diverse

We think diversity makes the world better—and makes our graduates better. That’s why National Louis University is a Top 25 Most Diverse National University, a Designated Minority Serving Institution (MSI), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), and a Top 20 College for Non-Traditional Students.

Three women smiling for the photo
Four students smiling for the photo
Culinary class in a kitchen with people smiling for the photo

NLU is supportive

We want our students to succeed. In school and in life. That’s why we offer:

Personal Coaching

An Academic Advising & Success Coach will guide and encourage students through their time at NLU.

Small Class Sizes

Each student receives one-on-one attention from professors.

Tutoring

Free tutoring in a variety of classes will help each student do their best.

Wraparound Support

Free mental health
Assistance from specialists in every course
In-person and virtual counseling
Telehealth medical services
NLU Student Emergency Fund
Food Pantry