National Louis University FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about National Louis University and our different colleges and schools.
National Louis University is a non-profit, private university founded in 1886, when it launched with a bold mission uncommon for its era: preparing women to become kindergarten teachers.
In the past 140 years, National Louis University has grown into a vibrant and diverse academic community that offers more than 80 programs for students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, including many certificate programs.
National Louis University now offers programs across Culinary and Hospitality Management, Education, Business and Leadership, Technology, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Health Sciences, and Human Services, designed to meet our students' career goals. National Louis University offers programs at several campuses in Illinois and Florida, as well as online, to students across the country.
National Louis University offers over 80 career-focused certificate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs online, and at our campuses in Illinois and Florida.
National Louis University has several campuses located throughout the state of Illinois. The main campus is located in the heart of downtown Chicago on Michigan Avenue, across from the Art Institute and Grant Park. National Louis University also has satellite campuses in Lisle and Wheeling, IL. Additionally, there is a campus located in Tampa, Florida. Most courses are also offered online, so students can study entirely from anywhere in the world.
National Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Programs within National Louis University’s colleges and schools are individually accredited where applicable:
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): Accredits the National College of Education for initial and advanced educator preparation.
- American Psychological Association (APA): Accredits the doctoral (Psy.D.) clinical psychology program.
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP): Accredits counseling programs like Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE): Accredits select undergraduate and graduate business administration and health leadership degrees.
- Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE): Approves select educator preparation programs for professional licensure.
- NLU holds a license by means of accreditation from the Florida Commission for Independent Education (CIE) of the Florida Department of Education to operate as a university in Florida, to offer programs of instruction, and to award degrees. For a list of approved programs in FL, click here.
National Louis University is made up of several different colleges and schools.
- The Undergraduate College was designed for first-time freshmen, community college transfers, and adults who have taken some college courses and are looking to complete their degree.
- Kendall College of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management is one of the world’s premier institutes for aspiring chefs, bakers, hotel managers, and tourism professionals.
- Accelerate U offers learners a rapid pathway to a full-time job by partnering with local employers to build affordable academic and training pathways that lead to an industry-recognized credential in six to eight months, allowing participants to earn up to 30 college credits toward a bachelor’s degree.
- The National College of Education is one of the top colleges in Illinois for teachers, including those working to earn master’s and doctoral degrees or certificates and endorsements.
- The Graduate School of Business and Leadership is designed for business professionals looking to begin or advance their careers. You can earn your MBA for $12K in as little as 12 months, or accelerate your business career with a graduate degree for as little as $16,500.
- The College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences focuses on programs that prepare students for careers in the helping professions: psychology, behavioral sciences, counseling, and counselor education.
- The School of Nursing offers programs for students working toward a degree in Nursing.
National Louis University offers online programs that allow students to learn on their own schedule. In addition to asynchronous online classes, some online degree programs offer classes held at scheduled times for real-time online learning, while others have options for blended classes that combine online and on-campus classes so you can meet in-person with your professor and peers.
Almost 14,000 students from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds attend National Louis University in Chicago and Florida, and online, and there are over 100,000 alumni living around the world.
- Undergraduate Tuition & Fees:
- Average $12,000 – $13,500 per year (before aid or specific course fees).
- Graduate & Professional Programs:
- $12,000 for the online MBA
- ~$13,400+ per year, with specialized hybrid or doctoral degrees varying (e.g., ~$15,000 to $19,000 annually).
- Specialized Programs:
- Specific tracks like Kendall College culinary programs or the P.A.C.E. certificate program feature distinct pricing structures (such as roughly $15,000 to $28,850 for residential/commuter paths).
See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
Applicants and current students can speak with Enrollment Specialists and Student Finance Officers to learn more about available aid and scholarships.
National Louis University follows the quarter system. There are four sessions throughout the year, each lasting one quarter. The start of each session (or quarter) typically occurs on a specific date, which can vary depending on the program you are enrolled in.
National Louis University is test-blind, which means you do not have to send any ACT or SAT scores for consideration for admission.
You find all of the contact information for new and current students, including the different campus locations on our contact us page.
