National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) is a top private university focused on health sciences. With over 115 years of experience, it offers hands-on, science-based training in both traditional and alternative health care. Students can choose from programs like chiropractic and naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and herbal medicine, and a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science. NUHS is one of the few accredited naturopathic medicine schools in the country.
NUHS is known for its strong academics, integrative approach to health, and personalized learning, with a student-to-faculty ratio of just 6:1. The university has two campuses in Illinois and Florida. Whether you're interested in natural therapies or clinical practice, NUHS prepares students to become skilled, patient-centered health professionals.
Founded in 1906, National University of Health Sciences has been shaping the future of health care for over a century. NUHS is a private, not-for-profit university that is among the few Doctor of Natural Medicine schools that combine traditional techniques with modern science. It is one of the leading naturopathic schools in the country, offering rigorous training and clinical experience.
The main campus, located in Lombard, Illinois, just outside Chicago, is about 38 acres in size, with modern labs, a medical library, a botanical garden, and clinics where students get real-life experience. The area also offers a variety of dining options, including popular Indian restaurants in Chicago, which many students enjoy exploring. There’s also a partner campus in Florida.
The school values honesty, learning by doing, and putting patients first. NUHS’s motto is Esse Quam Videri, which means “To be, rather than to seem.” What sets NUHS apart is that it is a health sciences university that emphasizes evidence-based curriculum, personalized learning, and a strong focus on integrative, patient-centered care.
The National University of Health Sciences is a leading school in the field of natural and integrative healthcare. It offers a variety of courses for students interested in becoming chiropractors, naturopathic doctors, acupuncturists, or biomedical science professionals. Choosing a doctorate in naturopathy can open doors to a wide range of holistic healthcare careers.
Doctoral Degrees
NUHS has one of the top naturopathic doctor programs in the U.S. Students in the Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine program learn about herbs, nutrition, and body systems. Other popular programs include:
Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine (DC)
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)
Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc)
Doctor of Acupuncture Completion (DAc-C)
NUHS offers a range of graduate programs. While the university is best known for its naturopathic doctorate, some students may explore a masters in naturopathic medicine or related fields to build their knowledge and clinical skills.
Popular masters programs include:
Master of Acupuncture (MAc)
Master of Acupuncture with Herbal Medicine Specialization (MAc-HM)
Master of Science in Advanced Clinical Practice (MSACP)
Master of Science in Diagnostic Imaging
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BSBS)
Certificates & Dual Degrees
Massage Therapy Certificate
Dual-degree options like combining the DC and ND programs
Other Learning Opportunities
Advanced post-professional courses
Residency programs for hands-on clinical training
Continuing education for healthcare professionals
If you’re planning to apply to the National University of Health Sciences, it’s helpful to know what the admissions process involves. This includes understanding the entry requirements, key deadlines, and how to complete your application step by step.
Application: Submit an online or paper application and pay a $55 fee.
Transcripts: Send all official college transcripts. Submit course-by-course evaluated transcripts (via WES Evaluation, Educational Perspectives, or Josef Silny).
Interview: Take part in an informal interview with an admissions counselor (phone or in-person).
Academic Requirements:
At least 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) of college coursework.
Minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Suggested courses: English, public speaking, psychology, humanities, and social sciences.
All coursework must be a C or higher (no C- unless it equals 2.0).
Application: Online or paper application with a $55 fee.
Essays: Write three short essays (400–500 words each).
References: Provide two character references.
Transcripts: Submit course-by-course evaluated transcripts (via WES, Educational Perspectives, or Josef Silny).
Interview: Complete an informal interview.
Deposit: Pay a $225 reservation deposit once accepted.
Financial Support Proof: Show proof of financial support for one academic year.
English Language Proficiency: Provide proof of English proficiency
| Test | Minimum Score | Section Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL (iBT) | 80 total | Speaking: 26, Listening: 22 |
Additional Requirements (for Chiropractic and Naturopathic Medicine):
A bachelor’s degree is required.
Minimum 3.0 GPA (2.75–2.99 may be considered with alternative admissions).
At least 24 credit hours in science (biology, chemistry, physics), with labs.
Anatomy and biochemistry are strongly recommended.
NUHS is one of the accredited naturopathic schools in the United States. Applying to NUHS is a simple and supportive process designed to help you every step of the way. Here’s what you need to do:
Explore Programs: Start by learning about NUHS programs. Check the website, join a campus visit, or talk to an admissions counselor to figure out which path is right for you.
Check Requirements and Costs: Have NUHS review your transcripts to make sure you meet GPA and course requirements. It’s also a good time to look into tuition, scholarships, and financial aid.
Apply Online: Fill out the online application form and pay the $55 application fee.
Send in Your Documents: Submit your transcripts, essays, and references as required by your program.
Wait for Admission decision: Once everything is submitted, NUHS will review your application and let you know their decision.
If you're planning to apply to the National University of Health Sciences, you need to stay updated on the application deadlines. Applying on time helps ensure your materials are reviewed without delay and keeps you on track for your desired start date.
| Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | August 1, 2025 |
| Spring 2026 | December 1, 2025 |
| Summer 2026 | April 1, 2026 |
The estimated cost of attending NUHS includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, and personal expenses. Knowing these costs helps you plan your budget, especially when considering the overall cost of living in Chicago for students.
| Program | Tuition and Fees | Books and Supplies | Average Cost Per Trimester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science Program | $7,376 | $400 | $7,776 |
| Prerequisite Program | Varies per credit hours taken | $400 | Varies per credit hours taken |
| Degree Program | Tuition and Fees | Books and Supplies | Average Cost Per Trimester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) | $15,150 | $500 | $15,650 |
| Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) | $15,150 | $500 | $15,650 |
| Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc) | $15,150 | $500 | $15,650 |
| Doctor of Acupuncture Completion (DAc-C) | $5,454 | $500 | $5,954 |
| Master of Acupuncture (MAc) | $9,810 | $500 | $10,310 |
| Master of Acupuncture in Herbal Medicine (MAc-HM) | $9,810 | $500 | $10,310 |
| Master of Science in Advanced Clinical Practice (MSACP) | $3,636 | $500 | $4,136 |
Paying for college can be a challenge, but NUHS offers a wide range of scholarships to make things easier. Most scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, residency, or participation in special programs.
Here's a quick breakdown of the major scholarships available at NUHS:
| Scholarship Name | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| President’s Excellence Award | $6,000 (one-time, in 2 parts) | New grad students with GPA ≥ 3.5 and enrolled in at least 15 credits |
| President’s Achievement Award | $4,000 (one-time, in 2 parts) | GPA 3.25–3.49, new grad students with 15+ credits/trimester |
| Dean’s Award | $2,000 (one-time, in 2 parts) | GPA 3.0–3.24, new grad students with 15+ credits/trimester |
| Presidential Bright Stars | Matches Florida Bright Futures | Florida residents at the St. Petersburg campus who meet state criteria |
| International Student Scholarship | $1,000 per trimester (from 3rd term) | Non-U.S. students in select programs, GPA ≥ 2.5, 15+ credits/trimester |
| Alumni Legacy Benefit | 50% off first term tuition | Spouses/children of active NUHS alumni for 5+ years |
| Miss Illinois ScholarshipFull tuition | Full tuition | Official winner of the Miss Illinois pageant |
| Multi-Family Benefit | 15% off lower tuition | Two or more family members enrolled full-time in same trimester |
| Visit Day Award | $500 (undergrad), $1,000 (grad) | Attend a visit event (online or in-person), applied in first trimester |
| Amberscholar Scholarship | $2,000-$6,000 | A compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) by college students planning to study in the UK, USA, Canada, or Ireland |
Located in Lombard, Illinois, National University of Health Sciences provides a peaceful suburban setting with easy access to Chicago’s city life. On-campus housing is available for students aged 21 and older and includes four residence halls offering studios, efficiencies, and one- or two-bedroom apartments. These apartments are pet-friendly (dogs up to 40 pounds and cats allowed), giving students a comfortable and flexible living experience right on campus.
For those who prefer to live off campus or closer to Chicago, amber can help students find suitable housing options based on budget, lifestyle, and university proximity. Amber simplifies the housing search process and connects students with verified, student-friendly properties.
Here are a few popular student housing options near NUHS and in Chicago:
The university maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, allowing for personalized attention and close faculty mentorship.
Yes, students receive extensive hands-on clinical training through NUHS’s on-campus clinics and outreach programs. This includes working with real patients under the supervision of licensed professionals.
Yes, NUHS accepts international students. In addition to meeting standard academic requirements, international applicants must provide evaluated transcripts, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent), and documentation of financial support for visa purposes.
Yes, National University of Health Sciences provides on-campus housing at its Lombard, Illinois campus for students aged 21 and above. Apartments range from studios to two-bedroom units, and pets are allowed under specific guidelines.
Yes, students attending NUHS can choose from a variety of off-campus housing options in nearby areas like Chicago. Amber partners with trusted housing providers to help students find safe and convenient apartments, studios, or shared accommodations that suit different budgets and preferences.