Skip navigation

Military & Veteran Students

Mission Capable. Degree Ready.

NLU's Commitment

Whether you're preparing for promotion, navigating a PCS, or planning your ETS, education is a critical part of the mission ahead. National Louis University is a private nonprofit institution that proudly supports service members, veterans, and their families with flexible, military-aware programs that align with your goals. We recognize the value of your MOS and help translate that experience into college credit and meaningful career progress.

Our commitment is simple: Meet you where you are, help you move forward, and support your success in and out of uniform.

Why NLU For Military and Veteran Students

At National Louis University, we understand that military-connected students bring more to the classroom than just a desire to earn a degree. You are balancing service commitments, family life, transition planning or a mix of all three. That's why we've built our programs to fit your reality, not the other way around.

Whether you are active duty working toward promotion, a veteran planning your next chapter or navigating a PCS, NLU meets you where you are. Our military-aware approach recognizes the value of your experience and helps you apply it toward meaningful progress. We offer:

  • 100% online or hybrid options

  • Credit for prior learning, including JST and Military Training

  • Dedicated Military Student Support

  • Veteran Resource Center and Student Career Bridge Services

  • Community Hero Scholarship available for veterans, first responders, and others who serve—ideal for those without remaining military education

  • Multiple hybrid and in-person programs that are eligible for Resident MHA benefits

  • Earn 25% of your credit hours for being active duty*

Education Benefits


Chapter 31 – Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

  • For veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%.
  • Can fully cover tuition, fees, books, supplies and provide a monthly living stipend.
  • Often offers more support than GI Bill® and is frequently overlooked—NLU helps veterans explore this powerful benefit.

Chapter 33 – Post-9/11 GI Bill®

  • Covers tuition, fees and book stipend, and may include Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA).
  • MHA is reduced for fully online students; full MHA requires at least one in-person or hybrid course per term.
  • NLU assists with benefit certification and academic planning.

Chapter 35 – Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)

  • For spouses and children of veterans who are permanently disabled or have passed away due to service.
  • Covers tuition and fees; available at NLU with dedicated support throughout the process.
  • Often unknown to eligible dependents—NLU helps identify and apply if qualified.

Explore additional benefits and eligibility through our Veteran Resource Center.

Eligibility

  • Accepted from all military branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard)

Advantages

  • NLU can support with submission, course alignment, and benefit tracking.

Eligibility

  • We accept military transcripts from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces-including the Joint Services Transcript (JST) for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, and the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript for the Air Force. Your military training will be reviewed for potential college credit.

Advantages

  • Reduces time to degree and helps preserve benefits

Eligibility

  • Institutional aid for eligible veterans, active-duty members and family.

Advantages

  • Helps fill funding gaps when TA or VA benefits don't cover the full cost 
Benefit Cost Coverage
Active Duty Undergrad Using TA ~6012/year Often fully covered by Tuition Assistance
Veteran or Non-TA Student ~$15,480/year Typically Covered by Post-9/11 GI Bill, VR&E or DEA
Community Heroes Scholarship - Helps reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs
Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)   Yes - full or partial depending on modality

Many students assume the Post-9/11 GI Bill is their only option-but other VA programs like VR&E and DEA can offer full coverage and even more support. NLU is here to help you figure out what you're eligible for and guide you every step of the way.

NLU is a 2x GOLD STATUS recognized Military Friendly School!

National Louis University (NLU) is proud to announce its achievement of Gold Status in Military Friendly School recognition for the second year in a row! This significant accolade marks a notable increase from the previously held Bronze Status, demonstrating NLU's unwavering commitment to supporting military-affiliated students and their families.

The Military Friendly Schools designation, awarded by VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business, serves as a benchmark for institutions striving to provide exceptional support and resources to military students. NLU's elevation to Gold Status underscores its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for those who have served in the armed forces.

Through various initiatives and programs tailored to meet the needs of military students, NLU ensures a seamless transition from military service to academia. From specialized academic advising to flexible scheduling options, the university prioritizes the success and well-being of its military-affiliated community members.

 

NLU offers multiple programs eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill Resident Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)

National Louis University offers multiple hybrid and in-person programs eligible for the Resident Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA).

Complete Your Bachelor's Degree in as Little as 2.5 Years

National Louis University has launched an innovative modality that allows Military students to be enlisted while earning a B.S in Organizational Development and Leadership in just 2.5–3 years*. This is accomplished by enabling students to earn 25% of their credits for being active duty.

Enrollment Process


Step 1

Get Started

  • Request information through NLU's standard inquiry form.
  • If you're unsure what benefits you qualify for, contact the Veteran Resource Center

Step 2

Apply to NLU

  • Complete your free online application.
  • Enrollment team will support next steps and program selection.

Apply Now

Step 3

Transfer Credit

  • Submit JST, CLEP, or prior college transcripts
  • We evaluate your military training and academic experience for transfer credit.

Step 4

Activate Benefits

  • Submit paperwork for GI Bill, Tuition Assistance (TA), VR&E, or DEA.
  • Our team provides guidance on documentation, timelines, and setup.

Step 5

Register & Start

  • Register for your first classes and choose your preferred modality (online, hybrid, or on-campus).
  • You'll receive onboarding and ongoing support through the Veteran Resource Center

Student Support & Resources

Veteran Resource Center (VRC)

Support hub for military-affiliated students offering guidance, peer support and a space to recharge.

Career Bridge

Get personalized help with civilian career transitions, including resumes, LinkedIn and interview prep.

Benefit Navigation & Certification Support

Assistance with benefits eligibility, documentation and submission from GI Bill® to VR&E.

Academic Advising & Transfer Credit

Plan your degree and transfer military or college credits to save time and benefits.

Community & Belonging

Connect with other student veterans through events, peer support and mentorship opportunities.

Not sure where to start?

Contact us at veteransprogram@nl.edu-we'll help you figure it out.

Connect with a Veterans Specialist

Your Next Step is Within Reach.

With over 135 years of excellence and 70,000 alumni, we provide an extraordinary education that’s within your reach.