Campus Vibe
Known for health sciences — excellent value
National Louis University is a private institution in Chicago with particular strength in health sciences and business.
A mid-sized campus of 4.1K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
37% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $45,799 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $16,157.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
National Louis University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
52.9%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,500
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
31
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (63)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
56%
- •56% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History National Louis University (NLU) began in 1886, when Elizabeth Harrison founded the school to train "Kindergarteners", young women teachers who began the early childhood education movement.
- •In 1954, the university's graduate school was accredited to offer masters and doctorate level degrees.
- •In 1990, National Louis united the name of National College of Education with that of trustee and benefactor Michael W.
- •In 1999, the historic 22-story Peoples Gas Building at 122 S.
- •Michigan Avenue in Chicago's Downtown, built in 1910, became the flagship location of NLU.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average