National Louis University: Admissions, Programs, Housing and Campus

The National Louis University Chicago offers world-class education to its students. With more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs, NLU is committed to empowering students within its diverse learning environments. National Louis University's four campuses enroll around 11,728 students in both graduate and postgraduate degrees. With an acceptance rate of 93%, it prioritizes academic expertise and personal vibrancy. The university is ranked among the top five private universities serving Chicago Public School graduates. In 2025, the Niche ranked NLU #21 as the best college for education in America. The student-centric approach provides a perfect blend of academic excellence and vibrant college life.

About National Louis University

As one of the renowned colleges in Chicago, National Louis University rankings include #392-434 in National Universities according to U.S. News & World Report. The university laid its first foundation in 1886. Today, NLU Chicago spans two main campuses in Illinois, Chicago and Wheeling, and a regional campus in Tampa, Florida. The university welcomes international students from 13 countries worldwide.
Since its inception, NLU has gathered $65 million in funding for its applied research projects in teacher preparation, child development, and school improvement. This college is popular among students who seek a more intimate campus ambiance. Nonetheless, it has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1.
The exceptional affordability at NLU makes it a great value for money. Graduates of NLU earn like those from elite colleges in Chicago, but at a cost lower than many community colleges. That’s why Washington Monthly ranks it #2 Best Bang for the Buck in the Midwest in 2022.

National Louis University Courses

At National Louis University, you will find plenty of courses aligned with your future goals. From undergraduate to postgraduate and doctoral courses, National Louis University graduate programs offer flexible and career-focused education to help you grow.

Undergraduate Courses

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Area of Study	Program Name
Business and Management	B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Development
Business and Management	B.A. in Marketing
Business and Management	B.S. in Healthcare
Business and Management	B.A. in Media
Business and Management	B.S. in Business Administration
Baking and Pastry/ Culinary/ Hospitality Management	B.A. in Culinary or Hospitality Management
Baking and Pastry/ Culinary/ Hospitality Management	A.A.S. in Culinary Arts/ Baking and Pastry
Communications and Media	B.A. in Marketing/Communication and Media
Communications and Media	B.S. in Business Administration
Computer Science	B.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems
Education	B.A. in Early Childhood Education, Infant-Toddler Studies, Elementary Education, Applied Educational Studies, and Secondary Education
Healthcare	B.S. in Nursing Upper Division, Nursing Traditional, Maternal Child Health
Psychology and Behavioral Sciences	B.A. in Psychology
Social and Behavioral Sciences	B.A. in Applied Behavioral Sciences
Social and Behavioral Sciences	B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Social and Behavioral Sciences	Bachelor of Social Work
Social and Behavioral Sciences	B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies
Social and Behavioral Sciences	B.S. in Maternal Child Health
Teacher Preparation	B.A. in Early Childhood Education
Teacher Preparation	B.A. in Infant-Toddler Studies
Teacher Preparation	B.A. in Elementary Education
Teacher Preparation	B.A. in Secondary Education

Graduate Courses

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Area of Study	Program Name
Advanced Professional Program	M.Ed. or Ed.S. in Learning Sciences Education
Advanced Professional Program	Ed.S. in School Psychology
Advanced Professional Program	M.Ed. in Special Education
Advanced Professional Program	M.Ed. or Ed.S. in Reading
Advanced Professional Program	Ed.S. and Ed.D. Teaching and Learning: Linguistic Diversity & Equity
Business Management	Master of Public Administration
Business Management	M.S. in HRM, Organizational Psychology, Organizational Leadership/ Business Data Analytics
Business Management	MBA
Business Management	M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership
Communications and Media	Master of Business Administration
Education/ Teacher Preparation	M.A.T. in early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education, special education, M.Ed./ Ed.S. in learning sciences, teacher leadership, and educational leadership
Healthcare	M.A. in Human Lactation Studies
Healthcare	Master's in Health Services Administration
Psychology and Behavioral Sciences	M.S. in Counseling/Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Psychology and Behavioral Sciences	M.A. in Psychology
Psychology and Behavioral Sciences	M.S./Ed.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis

National Louis University Admission Requirements

Your future at NLU Chicago simply begins with meeting the admission requirements. Before you apply, make sure you meet these key admission criteria.

National Louis University Admissions — Undergraduate Requirements

Application Fees: The online application fee for National Louis University is “Nil”. Go to www.nl.edu/applyonline and click on “first time users”. Under the Type of Application, choose International Applicant.
Academic Records: Submit your academic records of previously attended high school/ colleges.
For bachelor’s programs, students are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0. If that institute belongs outside the USA, you must submit a course-by-course evaluation from a reliable credential evaluator.
If your academic records belong to any school in the U.S, request your institute to send your official transcripts to documents@nl.edu, or mail to the NLU admission office.
English Proficiency: International students must qualify for an English proficiency test to seek admission at NLU.

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Test Name	Minimum Score (Overall)
Duolingo English Test	95
IELTS Academic	6.0 overall, each sub-score no less than 5.5
TOEFL iBT	72
Pearson Test of English	50 overall score

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Supporting Documents: Supporting documents often include an SOP and LOR. Other admission requirements documents also include:
- A photocopy of your passport-size photo
- Proof of funds to be confirmed by your international enrollment specialist. General funding includes:
- Culinary Arts/Baking & Pastry: $37,000
- All other undergraduate programs: $34,000

National Louis University Admissions – Graduate Requirements

Application Fees: The online application fee of the university is free of cost. Go to the official website: www.nl.edu/applyonline and choose an international applicant.
Academic Records: Submit academic records of your high school and undergraduate college.
Standardized Tests: Language proficiency tests such as IELTS, Duolingo, or TOEFL are required for non-native English speakers. Some programs may require the GRE or GMAT, though many are test-optional. Here's an outline of the minimum score requirement to pass English proficiency.

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Test Name	Minimum Score (Overall)
Duolingo English Test	105
IELTS Academic	6.5 overall, each sub-score no less than 6.0
TOEFL iBT	80
Pearson Test of English	54

Supporting Documents: Required documents often include a professional resumé, essays, work experience, a letter of recommendation, and a Statement of Purpose. Other admission requirements documents include:
A copy of your passport picture
Proof of funds confirmed by your international enrollment specialist. General funding requirements include: Graduate/Doctoral programs: $32,000

National Louis University Deadlines

The National Louis University application deadline is on a rolling basis. It means that the admission application forms are accepted throughout the year. It takes 5–10 business days to receive an admission decision after the submission of all documents. Some programs may have specific deadlines. Therefore, it is advised to consult the departmental pages for the right information on timelines.

How to Apply to the National Louis University?

The application process for National Louis University is simple. Here is a quick outline to help you get started on your academic journey.

Step 1: Choose the Program

When applying, applicants should consider their academic and professional ambitions when choosing a program. Applicants are encouraged to review the course offerings, faculty, and career prospects as a part of this exploration.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Before submitting it, make sure that all sections are fully completed correctly, as missing information or errors can delay your application review. Review your responses and check that your personal and academic information is accurate and consistent with the official records prior to submission.

Step 3: Submit Academic Records

Undergraduate applicants must submit official high school transcripts, and graduate applicants must submit official undergraduate transcripts. If your transcripts are not in English, make sure you provide certified translations.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

Collect additional support documents like your professional résumé and two references from academic or professional sources. Include a passport-sized photo and a valid visa.

Step 5: Submit Evidence of English Language Proficiency

International applicants need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency through acceptable standardized assessments like the Duolingo English Test, IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or PTE.

Step 6: Verify Deadlines and Submissions

Though the rolling admissions policy of NLU provides flexibility, specific programs may provide their deadlines as required by accreditation or related to the schedule of cohort-based programs. Confirm that you are checking the NLU admissions portal frequently.

National Louis University Tuition Fees

Below are the National Louis University tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate courses for the academic year 2025–2026.

Undergraduate Programs

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Particulars	Tuition
Full-time (14-18QH), transferring in with 30 QH or less	$12,195/year
Full-time (14-18QH), transferring in with more than 30QH - Domestic	$6,120/term
Full-time (14-18QH) International	$6,495/term
Fewer than 14 credits per term + per credit hour rate if more than 18 credits per term	$440/credit hour

Graduate Programs

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Program Name	Tuition
Full-time (M.Ed. and M.A.T)	$700/semester
Ed.S.	$700/term
Ed.D.	$800/term
Professional Development or Reading Recovery	$400/term
ESL/Bilingual, LBS1 (Special Ed Endorsement)	$450/ hour

Scholarship Opportunities at the National Louis University

National Louis Chicago and other campuses offer multiple graduate and undergraduate scholarships, catering to students from varied backgrounds. Whether you're an international student, a first-time freshman, or a transfer applicant, scholarship opportunities are available at NLU.

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Scholarship Name	Amount	Eligibility
NLU Community Heroes Scholarship	15% tuition waiver	Federal, local, or state law enforcement personnel (UG & PG programs)
Presidential Honors Scholarship	Up to $2,000	Based on high school GPA, test scores, coursework rigor, and academic merit
Amberscholar Scholarship 2025	Up to $12,000	International students pursuing studies in the U.S., U.K., Canada, or Ireland; SOP evaluated
Bold Futures Scholarship	Fifty full-tuition scholarships valued at over $2 million	High school graduates (Class of 2025); must submit FAFSA/Illinois Aid app by Mar 31, 2025

*After all grants and scholarships have been applied, it does not cover fees or Upass.

National Louis University Chicago Campus Life

The National Louis University Chicago Campus is the main campus of National Louis University. Students can enjoy a vibrant campus life through a wide variety of events. Some engaging ways to make the most of student life at NLU Chicago include 35+ student organizations, 100+ campus events annually, diversity programs, civic engagement initiatives, and student life events.

Find Your Ideal Student Home Near NLU!

Finding the right student housing is as vital as choosing the best college in Chicago. Don't worry! The National Louis University is surrounded by several neighborhoods, providing comfy yet affordable options. Popular student-friendly accommodation areas nearby include E Jackson Blvd, S. Morgan St., S. Peoria St., and many more. These areas have well-equipped apartment complexes, including easy transportation access. With amber, you get hassle-free access to off-campus accommodation near NLU. From fully equipped shared apartments to cozy studios, Amber offers affordable housing that suits your different needs, all just minutes from campus. Here are some top picks for off-campus housing options near National Louis University.

1. Lake Meadows: A comfortable living space including studios and 1,2,3-bedroom apartments.
2. Lettermen: A cost-effective, captivating studio with private/shared apartments of 1-4 bedroom options.
3. Prairie, Chicago: A cozy, fully-furnished 4-bedroom apartment including basic amenities.
Secure your ideal student home near NLU Chicago today before the best spots are gone!