NLU at a Glance
For almost 140 years, National Louis University has offered progressive and professional education that builds careers, cultivates leaders and strengthens communities. Our mission is to provide a superior and supportive educational experience for students of all ages and backgrounds. Learn more about who we are and what NLU can do for you.
Facts
- Founded: 1886
- Private, not-for-profit
- 7 Colleges/Units:
- 4 locations: Illinois: Downtown Chicago, Lisle, Wheeling; Florida: Tampa
- Online/Virtual Classroom
Students
- Total enrollment: 12,642
- Undergraduate: 6,142 (49%)
- Graduate: 6,500 (51%)
- Female: 73%
- BIPOC: 60%
- Pell Eligible: 59%
- Average age: 28 (undergraduate), 37 (graduate)
Academics
- 13 certificate programs (6 undergraduate; 7 post-baccalaureate)
- 2 associate programs
- 25 bachelor's programs
- 30 master's programs
- 9 postgraduate education specialist (Ed.S.) programs
- 12 doctoral programs
Points of Pride
- The National College of Education (NCE) is recognized nationally as a leading college of education.
- NLU’s National College of Education has had 85 alumni honored by the Golden Apple Foundations of Chicago and Rockford with one of the most prestigious education honors in the state of Illinois and more than any other school of education in the state.
- NCE’s Curriculum & Instruction, Early Childhood Education, Reading & Literacy, and Secondary Education programs were recognized by Intelligent.com as one of the top Education Master’s Degree Programs for 2025.
- #25 Best Mat C&I program from Intelligent.com.
- #14 Best 31 Accredited Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs from Intelligent.com.
- #18 best Reading & Literacy program from Intelligent.com.
- #11 best secondary education program from Intelligent.com.
- NCE is ranked the 2024 Best Early Childhood Education Degree by Forbes Advisor.
- NCE is #21 of the 2025 best colleges for education in America, and #22 of the 2025 best online colleges in America by Niche
- NLU was ranked as the #30 best national university by Washington Monthly, as well as the #1 Best Bang for the Buck in the Midwest.
- NLU was rated one of 2023's Best Online Master of Public Administration, Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Degree, and Best Early Childhood Education Degree by Forbes Advisor.
- Money Magazine ranked NLU in top 10 colleges nationally whose graduates say best prepared them to “make the world a better place.”
- NLU’s Kendall College has been chosen one of the top 22 culinary schools in the nation by FSR Magazine.
- NLU students enter the work force earning an estimated $43,000 per year after graduation, ranking NLU among the top five of all Illinois post-secondary schools, as cited by the College Database.
- NLU has received more than $65 million in funding for applied research projects in urban development, childhood development, school improvement and teacher preparation.
- NLU has been recognized as a Best-in-Class Employer according to Gallagher’s 2025 U.S. Workforce Trends Report.
