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At NLU, we prepare leaders to shape the future in an evolving and multi-faceted business world.

Advance your career. Check out the affordable, supportive, career-focused degree programs available at NLU, and decide if one is right for you.

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Schedules That Work for You

Classes are offered 100% online or low-residency/campus-based.

Affordable

We believe that college should be available and accessible for all. We offer a range of scholarships including ones for alumni, military, first responders, and our corporate partners.
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Career-Focused

Learn how to solve real-world problems through hands-on projects and experiential learning. Be able to immediately apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to your job.
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SUCCESS STORIES

“Even if you’re a busy working individual, you can come and get your Master’s in Business in 12 months, for $12K.”

Angel Alcazar
Director | M.B.A. in Business and Healthcare Administration
SUCCESS STORIES

“NLU has high expectations for their students, but we provide high support.”

Jacqueline Callery, Ed.D.
Associate Professor | Graduate School of Business & Leadership
SUCCESS STORIES

“I became more focused and disciplined. It’s definitely shaped me into a completely different person.”

Brittany Allen
Alumna | M.B.A. in Business Administration
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“NLU has taught me the way I was leading was ahead of its time. I feel more empowered for seeking out inclusion and diversity in my leadership style.”

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Jason Benoit
M.B.A. Master of Business Administration

“NLU offers courses that include "real life" experiences in the workplace. It provides valuable course materials and knowledgeable instructors.”

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Susan Shields
M.S. HR Management & Development
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TOP HIGHLIGHTS OF NLU’S GRADUATE BUSINESS PROGRAMS
Fast-track 12-month and standard pathways to graduation
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Designed with flexibility for full-time working professionals
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100% online and campus-based low-residency modalities
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Cohort-based programs
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Accreditation through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
IACBE

*Currently, three of our graduate business programs are accredited by the IACBE. Accreditation status varies by program, and prospective students are encouraged to review specific program details or contact the university for the most up-to-date accreditation information.

Let’s advance your career.

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NLU History

Pioneering higher education since 1886

1886
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1886

Elizabeth Harrison opens a school to train kindergarten teachers.

1930
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1930

The school becomes the National College of Education.

1986
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1986

A gift allows NCE to expand beyond the field of education.

1990
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1990

NCE is renamed National Louis University.

1999
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1999

NLU moves to The Loop.

2018
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2018

NLU acquires Kendall College, a renowned culinary and hospitality school.

2019
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2019

Addition of the Illinois and Florida School of Professional Psychology 

2023
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2023

NLU launches its School of Nursing

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1886

Elizabeth Harrison opens a school to train kindergarten teachers.

1930

The school becomes the National College of Education.

1986

A gift allows NCE to expand beyond the field of education.

1990

NCE is renamed National Louis University.

1999

NLU moves to The Loop.

2018

NLU acquires Kendall College, a renowned culinary and hospitality school.

2019

Addition of the Illinois and Florida School of Professional Psychology 

2023

NLU launches its School of Nursing

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NLU Today

Seven colleges, one vision

National Louis University, a private, not-for-profit university, offers more than 80 career-focused undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, certificate and endorsement programs in Illinois, in Florida and online in fields like education, business, psychology and nursing.

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Accreditations

Trusted in the field of transforming lives

The Graduate School of Business and Leadership has received specialized accreditation for its business program(s) through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs, please view our IACBE member status page.

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Let’s talk about you

To find your path, ask yourself...

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Career Goals and Aspirations

Where will I be in 3-5 years?

Where do I see myself in 5-10 years?
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Academic and Professional Background

What is my previous college experience?

What professional experience do I have?
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Personal Challenges

How will I balance school and my personal life?
What’s stopping me from furthering my education?
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Financial Planning and Resources

How will I fund my education?

What scholarships are available to me?
Discover NLU

Take your higher education even higher

National Louis University’s Graduate School of Business and Leadership prepares students of diverse backgrounds to succeed as professionals. Whatever your field of study, we’ll help you complete a well-rounded graduate degree education with affordable tuition, flexible schedules, academic support and embedded career coaching.

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Campus Locations
Illinois, Florida, and online everywhere
5,846
Graduate students
#1 Best Bang for the Buck
(Midwest) in 2023 Washington Monthly
Top 25
Most diverse national universities
HSI/MSI
Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority Serving Institution (MSI) 
BIPOC
60% of student population are Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)
Student Services

We bring the NLU experience to you!

NLU helps students hit the ground running by connecting them to our community and offering the support and tools they need to achieve their desired goals at NLU and beyond.

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Learning Support

Our learning support office provides personalized tutoring (both virtually and onsite) in writing, math, computer science, and English-language learning (ELL/ESL support)
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Counseling and Wellness

Being well means taking care of your whole person: body, mind, and spirit. Students have free immediate access to Teletherapy through our partnership with Uwill.
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Food Pantry and THRIVE Resources

How will I balance school and my personal life?
We believe ALL students can THRIVE through the advocacy of an inclusive university and the support of a caring community, where students feel a sense of belonging and empowerment to not only be academically successful, but thrive personally and professionally.
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Veterans and Military

The Veterans Resource Center utilizes a holistic approach to serving student veterans and military-connected students. Our ‘wrap-around’ services help students find resources and support from NLU and community partners.
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Career bridge

Everything we do lays the groundwork for a career

Higher education should inspire and accelerate the next step of a student’s career. Career Bridge helps make that journey seamless by fostering meaningful connections between students, alumni and employers while providing career advising, résumé reviews, internships, and networking events that spark new opportunities.

Tuition

Break the glass ceiling, not the bank

At NLU, we believe that your education is an investment in your future. Our programs are designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to excel in your field, and we’re committed to helping you achieve your career goals.

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Per Semester Hour
Total Semester Hours
Program Total
Master of Business Administration
Fully Online: $400
Low-Residency Blended: $550
30 hours
Fully Online: $12,000
Low-Residency Blended: $16,500
Master in Health Services Administration
Master of Public Administration
MS in Human Resources
Management and Development
MS in Business Data Analytics
MS in Industrial and Organizational
Psychology
MS in Organizational Leadership
$550
30 hours
$16,500
M.Ed. in Higher Education
$550
33 hours
$18,150
M.A. in Human Lactation Studies
$550
36 hours
$19,800
Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership
Doctorate of Business Administration
$800
60 hours
$48,000
Miscellaneous Fees*
Student Fee
$175/term
Additional Course Fees**
Vary by program
* For a comprehensive list of tuition and fees, please visit: on.nl.edu/tuition
**Some programs may have additional course fees. For more information, please visit: on.nl.edu/coursefees
Financial Aid Options

A degree may be more affordable than you think

Financing your education is a significant consideration. That’s why we offer a range of financial aid options to help make your career dreams a reality. Explore the various ways you can pay for college and invest in your future.

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Scholarships

For the fourth straight year, National Louis University has kept tuition rates the same and added new scholarship opportunities, making NLU one of the most afforable universities in the Chicago area.

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Corporate Discount

National Louis University offers a tuition discount to employees of organizations who partner with the University to provide quality professional development opportunities.

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Community Service Agency Partnerships

Community services are defined as services that are identified by an institution of higher education though formal or informal consultation with local nonprofit, government, and community-based organizations, as designed to improve the quality of life for community residents, particularly low-income individuals, or to solve particular problems related to their needs.

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Loans

A student loan is a low-interest loan extended by the federal government to help you pay for your education. To qualify for a loan, you must be enrolled at least half-time in classes at National Louis University.

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Military Benefits

There are numerous education benefits that the Department of Veterans Affairs offers eligible students. One of the most popular benefits that students use at NLU is the Post 9/11 GI Bill ®. This benefit often allows students to receive their degree from NLU with little to no debt.

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Meet your success team

We're here for you every step of the way

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Graduate Enrollment Specialist - Main Point of Contact
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Graduate Academic Advisor
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Student Finance Representative
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Career Advisor
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Program Director, Faculty, and Academic Dean
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Application Process

What’s next?

If you’re ready to take the first step of your career, here’s what comes next.

Step 1
Meet with Graduate Enrollment Specialist & Submit Application

Begin your journey by submitting your application to NLU. We're excited to have you join our community.

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Step 2
Submit Admissions Requirements & Apply for Aid

Ensure you meet all the admissions requirements. This may include submitting transcripts, test scores and any additional documents. Apply for financial aid by completing a FAFSA, if applicable.

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Step 3
Register & Meet with Your Advisor

Get ready to embark on your academic journey! Once admitted, you’ll receive your class schedule, meet with your academic advisor and review your degree plan.

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Step 4
Prepare for Your First Day

Review registration email, access student email and courses, participate in orientation, order books, order ID, and more.

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Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Click the button below to start your application process and take the first step toward joining the NLU community.
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