About National Louis University
National Louis University has built its reputation over 137 years as a teacher preparation powerhouse. The university enrolls 4,100 students across its Chicago campus and focuses heavily on education programs alongside graduate degrees designed for working professionals. With a 92% acceptance rate, NLU welcomes students who might not fit the traditional college mold. The university operates on a quarter system and maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. Nearly all students are from Illinois, reflecting its strong regional ties to Chicago-area school districts.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for education majors. Students pay an average net price of $16,157 after aid, lower than many private universities. Graduates earn a median of $45,799 ten years after graduation. Monthly loan payments average just $209, and median debt sits at $19,750. For future teachers entering a stable profession with pension benefits, these numbers work well. Nearly half of students receive federal loans to help cover costs.
The student body reflects Chicago's diversity, with 51% Hispanic and 21% Black students. Women make up 74% of enrollment, typical for education-focused institutions. The employment rate reaches 95%, though the four-year graduation rate of 34% suggests many students balance work and school. This university serves students who need flexibility while pursuing teaching careers.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for education majors. Students pay an average net price of $16,157 after aid, lower than many private universities. Graduates earn a median of $45,799 ten years after graduation. Monthly loan payments average just $209, and median debt sits at $19,750. For future teachers entering a stable profession with pension benefits, these numbers work well. Nearly half of students receive federal loans to help cover costs.
The student body reflects Chicago's diversity, with 51% Hispanic and 21% Black students. Women make up 74% of enrollment, typical for education-focused institutions. The employment rate reaches 95%, though the four-year graduation rate of 34% suggests many students balance work and school. This university serves students who need flexibility while pursuing teaching careers.
Academics & Faculty
National Louis University has built its reputation around teacher education and graduate programs designed for working adults. The university serves a student body that is 74% women and 98.5% in-state residents. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be smaller than at large state universities. However, the 36.9% six-year graduation rate and 56.4% retention rate suggest many students struggle to complete their degrees. The school's quarter system allows for accelerated learning, which appeals to adult learners balancing work and family responsibilities. NLU's education programs have trained teachers for Chicago-area schools for over 130 years, making it a pipeline for the region's educational workforce.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 99.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 34.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 36.9%
- Retention Rate
- 56.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,799
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $86,424 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,600 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $61,516 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $59,921 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $57,705 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $56,234 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $54,238 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $53,017 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $50,887 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $48,667 |
Campus Life
National Louis serves a diverse student body where 74% are women and 51% are Hispanic. The campus sits in Chicago's downtown loop, putting students steps from internships at major corporations and cultural attractions like Millennium Park. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so invest in a heavy coat and boots for navigating the city streets between January and March.
Most students commute from throughout the Chicago area rather than live on campus. The 98% in-state enrollment reflects the university's focus on serving local working adults who often attend classes part-time while managing jobs and families. Weekends typically involve catching up on coursework, working shifts, or spending time with family rather than traditional college parties. The quarter system moves quickly with only 10-week terms.
Students gravitate toward study groups in the library and coffee shops near campus. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals. Many students are first-generation college attendees who appreciate the supportive environment and flexible scheduling options that accommodate their complex lives outside school.
Most students commute from throughout the Chicago area rather than live on campus. The 98% in-state enrollment reflects the university's focus on serving local working adults who often attend classes part-time while managing jobs and families. Weekends typically involve catching up on coursework, working shifts, or spending time with family rather than traditional college parties. The quarter system moves quickly with only 10-week terms.
Students gravitate toward study groups in the library and coffee shops near campus. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals. Many students are first-generation college attendees who appreciate the supportive environment and flexible scheduling options that accommodate their complex lives outside school.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Founded
- 1886
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–31°F
- July Avg
- 67°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.8"
Student Demographics
Three out of four students are women, reflecting National Louis University's deep roots in education and helping professions. The student body is majority Hispanic and serves a diverse urban population, with over half qualifying for Pell Grants. Nearly all students come from Illinois, showing the university's strong reputation among Chicago-area families seeking affordable pathways to teaching and human services careers. The demographics mirror the city's workforce needs, as graduates typically enter fields like education, counseling, and nonprofit work that serve diverse communities.
- Men
- 26.0%
- Women
- 74.0%
- White
- 14.7%
- Black
- 21.4%
- Hispanic
- 51.2%
- Asian
- 2.6%
- In-State Students
- 98.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 57.3%
Location
Chicago serves as home to this university, placing students in America's third-largest city with 2.7 million residents. The campus sits within a major metropolitan area known for its diverse neighborhoods, strong museums, and robust job market across finance, healthcare, and education sectors. Students gain access to extensive internship and career opportunities throughout Chicagoland. The city's public transportation system connects campus to downtown attractions, professional districts, and cultural venues. Winter temperatures average 26°F, while summers reach 84°F. Chicago's college-friendly atmosphere includes over 200,000 university students across the metropolitan area. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare National Louis University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Chicago, Illinois 60603
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,799
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,470
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $44,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 42.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $209/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at National Louis University?
National Louis University accepts 92% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students. The university focuses on serving working adults and non-traditional students, particularly in education and human services fields.
How much does National Louis University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $16,157 annually after aid is applied. About 57% of students receive financial aid, and the same percentage qualify for Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving lower-income students.
What is National Louis University known for academically?
The university operates on a quarter system with a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Founded in 1886, National Louis built its reputation as a teacher training institution and continues to specialize in education and graduate programs designed for working professionals.
What are the graduation rates at National Louis University?
Only 37% of students graduate within six years, with a four-year rate of 34%. The 56% retention rate reflects challenges common among universities serving primarily working adults who balance education with career and family responsibilities.
Where do National Louis University students come from?
Nearly 99% of the 4,100 enrolled students are Illinois residents. The student body is 74% female and highly diverse, with 51% Hispanic students and 21% Black students, making it a minority-serving institution.
What do National Louis University graduates earn after college?
Graduates earn a median salary of $45,799 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $209. The 95% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement, though earnings reflect the education and social services sectors where many alumni work.
