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National Louis University

Chicago, IL·Private nonprofit·4,406 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. 55% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

95%
Accept
4,406
Students
$12,641
Net Price
30%
Grad Rate
$50,800
Earnings
10 yr
$19,750
Debt

About This School

National Louis University is a private nonprofit institution located in Chicago, Illinois with approximately 4,406 undergraduate students enrolled. National Louis University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 95%. The average net price after financial aid is $12,641 per year. The graduation rate is 30%, and the typical graduate earns $50,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

National Louis University (NLU) is a private university with its main campus in Chicago, Illinois, United States. NLU enrolls undergraduate and graduate students in more than 60 programs across its four colleges. It has locations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area as well as a regional campus in Tampa, Florida, where it serves students from 13 counties in that state's central region.

The numbers tell a mixed story here — the affordable net price of $16,157/year and low median debt of $12,500 are genuinely appealing, but the 37% graduation rate and 56% freshman retention rate signal that most students who start here don't finish, which is a serious red flag worth discussing before enrolling. Worth considering if you have a clear plan, strong self-motivation, and need a low-cost, accessible option in Chicago — but come in with eyes open about the completion challenges.

Founded
1886
Setting
Large city
Avg Faculty Salary
$6,891

Popular Programs

Education28%
Business & Marketing13%
Health Professions11%
Psychology10%
Computer Science5%
Social Sciences5%
Communications2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

Test Policy: Neither required nor recommended

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$12,705
Out-of-State Tuition
$12,705
Avg Net Price
$12,641
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$12,462
$30–48k$11,567
$48–75k$12,996
$75–110k$15,447
$110k+$17,956

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants55%
Median debt at graduation$19,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
30%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
50%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$50,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,750
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$61,400
Female graduates$38,900

Gap: 37% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$44,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$50,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.6x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White14%
Black22%
Hispanic/Latino50%
Asian2%
Two or more races2%
International6%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,406 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

National Louis University

122 S Michigan Ave

Chicago, IL 60603

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Illinois

Browse all Illinois schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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