The first step of your career is right here
Choosing your next move after high school can be overwhelming. Check out the affordable, supportive, career-focused degree programs available at NLU, and decide if one is right for you.
70%
First-Generation College Students (College Database)
Top 25
Most Diverse National Universities
#2
in Best Bang for the Buck: Midwest (Washington Monthly)
Schedules That Work for You
Whether you prefer a full-time or part-time course load, daytime or evening classes, in-person, virtual classroom or fully online, we'll find a schedule that fits your life. Because you have enough going on already.
Actually Affordable
College degrees shouldn't be just for the elites. That's why we've developed the most affordable private university bachelor's degree in Illinois. We also offer need-based scholarships to make college possible for even more people.
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Focused on Your Career
Let’s be real, what’s the point of college if you don’t get results? Our Career Bridge department helps every student work with a career coach, complete an internship or externship, and gain a bunch of connections.
Hear from our grads
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Programs for every kind of future mover and shaker
Whatever you want to study, NLU will prepare you for success with a well-rounded, hands-on education, as much flexibility as you need and professional resources to turn your education into a career.
With bachelor’s degrees ranging from Infant-Toddler Studies to Early Childhood Education to Secondary Education, we educate all types of educators.
Get a B.A. or B.S. in some of today’s most relevant fields, like Computer Science and Information Systems.
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Passionate about supporting others? Get the support you need to make a career out of it.
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Get on the fast track to a full-time job with unbeatably practical, affordable career training that you can apply toward a future degree.
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College-trained healthcare professionals are more in-demand than ever, and our B.S. in Nursing programs are the ideal way to launch your healthcare career.
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Fire up a career as a chef, baker, hotel manager or tourism professional in one of the world’s great capitals of hospitality.
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Let’s dive into
the details
Just a little (really) about our history
Elizabeth Harrison opens a school to train kindergarten teachers.
The school becomes the National College of Education.
A gift allows NCE to expand beyond the field of education.
NCE is renamed National Louis University.
NLU moves to The Loop.
NLU acquires Kendall College, a renowned culinary and hospitality school.
Level up your career plans
National Louis University offers more than 70 career-focused undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, certificate and endorsement programs in Illinois, Florida and Online in fields like education, business, psychology, and nursing.
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Allow us to flex for a moment
The Undergraduate College 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.
Which path will you take?
Further your education
Get a job
Join the military
Do nothing
So, what do your dreams look like?
Here are a few questions to consider as you plan your next step.
This is what we’re all about
National Louis University's Undergraduate College prepares students of diverse backgrounds to succeed as professionals. Whatever your field of study, we'll help you complete a well-rounded bachelor's degree education with affordable tuition, flexible schedules, academic support and embedded career coaching.
Get to know a few of the opportunities at NLU
Education
Early Childhood Education
Our Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree program prepares you to work with children from birth through grade 2. In this program, you will do coursework aligned to meet the new Illinois Professional Teaching Standards (IL-PTS).
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Infant Toddler Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Infant-Toddler Studies program is designed for students who want a well-rounded knowledge base and skill set for working as leaders in the field of infant and toddler care and education, but who do not wish to be licensed teachers.
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Elementary Education
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education is for students who would like to earn their elementary education degree in order to attain an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) endorsed for self-contained general education (grades 1-6).
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Secondary Education
The Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education degree program provides you with a robust set of courses and field experiences that will prepare you for teaching in a high school setting.
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Applied Educational Studies
The program provides a solid foundation in education preparation with options to study infant and toddler care and education, ECE administration, or teaching methods.
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Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Through the program, you’ll earn a Professional Educator License (PEL) with Early Childhood and Elementary Education endorsements.
Learn MoreBusiness & Technology
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Business Administration
The four-year Bachelor of Science in Business Administration prepares students with the tools and resources needed to solve challenging business problems in an ever changing global environment.
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Marketing
Our Bachelor of Arts in Marketing degree program prepares you to achieve success in the exciting field of contemporary marketing.
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Communication and Media
Our Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media degree program prepares you for the dynamic and competitive field of workplace communication across a digital landscape.
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Computer Science and Information Systems
Our program is designed for students interested in new technologies and computing systems.
Learn MorePsychology & Human Services
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Criminology & Criminal Justice
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the interconnected systems in which criminal justice exists and functions.
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Human Services
Our Bachelor of Arts in Human Services degree program prepares you to support the needs of individuals, families, and communities.
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Psychology
Our Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree program prepares you to use psychological concepts and theories, and provides a foundation for working in community or business settings, as well as furthering your study in a graduate program.
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Social Work
Our Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program prepares you to support the needs of individuals, families, and communities.
Learn MoreNursing
Nursing
Our program is for those who completed the pre-requisite courses and who are ready to continue their education to earn a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree.
Learn MoreCulinary & Hospitality (Kendall College at NLU)
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Culinary Management
Hone your craft with a combination of rigorous culinary training and business skills. This is the #1 culinary program in Chicago, one of the world's best restaurant cities.
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Hospitality Management
Study the art of managing restaurants, hotels, resorts and events under the guidance of expert faculty and industry mentors. The ideal springboard for a career in hospitality.
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Culinary Arts
Practice your culinary craft in a real-world setting while earning a two-year associate degree. Get valuable, hands-on internship experience in a program built around your busy schedule.
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Baking and Pastry
Turn your passion for baking into a creative career under the mentorship of our expert faculty. Get hands-on experience with industrial-grade equipment and state-of-the art kitchens in under two years.
Learn MoreCertificate Programs (AccelerateU at NLU)
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Registered Medical Assistant
The Accelerate U Medical Assistant training pathway is a mostly online certificate program that will prepare you to work as a Medical Assistant, aiding doctors, nurses and patients in healthcare facilities.
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Registered Behavioral Technician
The Accelerate U Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Pathway is a mostly online certificate program that will prepare you to work with children who have developmental behavior challenges.
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Cisco Certified Network Administrator
The Accelerate U Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certificate Program is an on-campus certificate program that will assist students with developing the skills to go into information technology careers.
Learn MoreAvailable Minors and Concentrations
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Undergraduate Minors
*Advanced Standing Concentration that can be applied towards GR degrees.
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Undergraduate Concentrations
*Advanced Standing Concentration that can be applied towards GR degrees.
The amazing kinds of people you’ll meet at NLU
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Sindi Cekrezi
Sindi Cekrezi, a sophomore from Durres, Albania, is a great example of a student who has taken advantage of the opportunities we offer international students at NLU – all while earning her degree and planning for her future career.
Sindi says she chose to enroll in the Computer Sciences and Information Systems, B.S. program at NLU because of the program’s rigorous academics:
“For me, education has always been very important, and coming here was a big decision. I have always loved going to school and I really wanted to choose the best educational path – one that was going to help me grow and shape me for my future career...”
Joey Churchill
Some students know they want to attend college right out of high school, but at NLU, we know that there’s no two paths to a degree are the same. For some students, it takes time to figure out what they want and for their determination and passion to be ignited. Joey Churchill was one of those students.
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DaZay Green
For DaZay, being a student in Chicago means having access to robust support networks and caring communities that empower you to succeed, as they did for him. “Being a Chicago student means having that support system,” he reflected. “Chicago is a place for students who want to strive to improve and make a difference in the community. Trust me, thousands of people here are cheering you on, from your family to your neighborhood and your Chicago schools. It's fantastic to have that support system of people giving you opinions and different resources and information to use when feeling lost, or even when you have it all together.”
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Asael Villa
For first-generation college students, the process of applying to and attending college can be difficult to navigate without a traditional support system. For Asael Villa, a first-generation student from the Chicagoland area, learning to ask for help has made all the difference.
NLU’s Enrollment Specialists, he says, made the process of applying accessible and clear every step of the way. Asael hopes to one day work in the hospitality industry, and he feels as though he’s on the right path thanks in part to the myriad resources and support he’s received at NLU, from internships and tutoring services to social activities and volunteer opportunities.
Living and learning beyond the classroom
Our student organizations provide opportunities for students to grow, engage in professional development, explore a variety of cultural experiences and pursue interests beyond the classroom.
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The latest buzz
Join Us on Social Media
The perfect place to launch your career
Whether you choose our main campus in downtown Chicago or one of our suburban campuses, you’ll jumpstart your career just moments from everything that Chicago has to offer. Explore our downtown campus from the comfort of your computer with a virtual tour.
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Accommodations in the middle of it all.
Living in a dynamic city like Chicago is often considered among the highlights of a student’s experience at National Louis University. Located five blocks from campus, the University Center offers residents a unique living experience in a high-rise building located in the heart of Chicago - steps from the best the city has to offer - from summer festivals and year-round entertainment to great restaurants and shopping.
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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 is designed to foster meaningful connections between students, alumni and employers, sparking opportunity and making career preparation seamless.
Career Coach: Discover majors and in-demand careers and education
Take a Career Assessment to learn about yourself and Career Coach will give you career suggestions based on your interests, browse careers or search available programs that lead to the career you want.
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For students, more career-launching opportunities
For many of our students, a college degree needs to be nothing less than a springboard for professional advancement. Our Career Bridge department ensures that every graduate leaves NLU with practical, real-world experience and valuable connections in their industry.
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.
Student Fee
U-Pass
Laptop Fee*
$825
$360
$480
Estimated IL State MAP Grant
$8,400
Paying your out-of-pocket costs: Loans, Federal Work – Study and other options for paying costs after Grants and Scholarships.
Student Fee* (Includes U-Pass, Insurance, Misc. Feed)
$2,685
Estimated IL State MAP Grant**
Kendall College Opportunity Scholarship**
$8,400
$6,200
Paying your out-of-pocket costs: Loans, Federal Work – Study and other options for paying costs after Grants and Scholarships.
**Tuition and Fees subject to change. All Federal Aid based on eligibility.
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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We got you every step of the way
What’s next?
Want to learn more about NLU? If you’re ready to take the first step of your career, here’s what comes next.
Begin your journey by submitting your application to NLU. We're excited to have you join our community.
Ensure you meet all the admissions requirements. This may include submitting transcripts, test scores and any additional documents.
Schedule a meeting with our Student Finance team to explore financial aid options, scholarships and tuition payment plans that suit your needs.
Get ready to embark on your academic journey! You'll receive your class schedule, along with other important information about campus life and resources.
