At $16,157/yr net price, National Louis University graduates earn $45,799/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,799/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,157 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $64,628 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,799/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,799/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,357/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,584/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,887/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,414/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,279/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $86,424 | $67,279 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,600 | $41,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $61,516 | $41,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $59,921 | $30,750 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $57,705 | $23,349 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $56,234 | $22,507 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $54,238 | $21,555 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $53,017 | $41,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $50,887 | $28,041 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $48,667 |
The Risk Factor
36.9% of students at National Louis University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
National Louis University delivers poor financial returns for most students, with a median graduate earning just $45,799 ten years after enrollment against a typical debt load of $19,750. The 36.9% graduation rate means nearly two-thirds of students leave without a degree, making this a high-risk investment for your education dollars.
Educational Administration stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $86,424 annually, though you'll carry $67,279 in debt to get there. Business Administration offers a more balanced option at $63,600 in earnings with $41,000 in debt. Health and Medical Administrative Services provides similar returns. Teacher Education programs yield modest gains at $57,705 with lower debt burdens of $23,349.
The major red flag here is the low retention rate of 56.4%, suggesting students struggle academically or financially to stay enrolled. Combined with the poor graduation rate, you face significant odds of leaving without a credential while still owing money.
This school makes financial sense only if you're pursuing Educational Administration or Business Administration and can handle the debt load. The relatively low net price of $16,157 annually helps, but the weak outcomes for most programs offset this advantage.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering any program outside the top earners listed above. The combination of low graduation rates and weak median earnings creates too much downside risk. Consider this school only if you have strong academic preparation and clear career goals in education administration or business management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is National Louis University worth the cost compared to other schools?
National Louis University has a relatively low net price at $16,157 per year, but graduates earn only $45,799 annually after 10 years. The school's 37% graduation rate means many students leave without a degree, making the investment risky despite the lower upfront cost.
What are the best paying programs at National Louis University?
Educational Administration and Supervision graduates earn $86,424 annually, making it the strongest ROI program at National Louis University. Business Administration ($63,600) and Health Administration ($61,516) also provide decent returns, while teacher education programs average around $57,705.
How much debt do National Louis University students typically graduate with?
National Louis University graduates have a median debt of $19,750, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with average earnings of $45,799, debt payments could still strain budgets for graduates in lower-paying education fields.
Does National Louis University have good job placement after graduation?
National Louis University's 37% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. While the school doesn't publish specific job placement data, the relatively modest 10-year earnings of $45,799 indicate mixed career outcomes for graduates.