Skip to content
  • Best Online Colleges
  • Best Colleges for Adults
    • Best Colleges for Military and Veterans
  • Programs & Careers
  • Advice for Students
  • About
Find Schools
2023 best online colleges badge 100 best
2023 best online colleges badge midwest
2023 best online colleges badge affordable

National Louis University

Chicago, Illinois

APPLY NOW REQUEST INFO
Visit the School Website »
  • Overview
  • Accessibility
  • Demographics
  • Cost
  • Online Offerings
  • Outcomes
  • Military
  • Programs & Degrees

National Louis University is a private college in Chicago, Illinois and has been named to the Best 100 Online Colleges award list. Its online program features 13 online degree options. The on-campus net price to attend is $14,750 and the per-credit hour charge is $430. The school offers weekend/evening classes, credit for military training, credit for life experiences, academic counseling services, career services, and more.

Overview

School Type

  • On Campus
  • Online
  • Private

Website: www.nl.edu

Contact: National Louis University

Accessibility

  • Distance education:Yes
  • Career services:Yes
  • Weekend/Evening classes:Yes
  • Credit for life experiences:Yes
  • On-Campus day care:No
  • Remedial services:Yes

Demographics

Part-time students
1,025 undergrads
  • Full-time undergrad students:2,582
  • Undergrad students over 25 years old:1,362
  • Pell Grant students:2,188
  • Online and distance education undergrad students:1,415
  • Part-time students
    28%
  • Students over 25 years old
    38%

Cost

In-district per-credit-hour charge for part-time students
$430
In-district tuition and fees
$11,505
Get the financial advice you need to start college.
Learn More about the financial advice you need to start college

Online & Distance Programs

Online/Distance degrees offered
14 degrees

More information about degrees »


Bachelor's degrees offered

  • Communication Journalism and Related Programs(1)
  • Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services(1)
  • Education(2)
  • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences(1)
  • Psychology(2)

SHOW MORE

  • Public Administration and Social Service Professions(2)
  • Social Sciences(1)
  • Health Professions and Related Programs(1)
  • Business Management Marketing and Related Support Services(3)
Get the advice you need to start your online or distance degree.
Learn More about the advice you need to start your online or distance degree

Outcomes

  • Retention rate for part-time students:24%

Military & Veteran

Number of undergraduate students receiving Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits
48 students
  • Credit for military training:Yes
  • Dedicated staff member:Yes
  • Student veteran organization:Yes
  • Yellow Ribbon Program member:Yes
  • Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges member:Yes
Get the advice you need as a military member or veteran returning to school.
Learn More about the advice you need as a military member or veteran returning to school

Featured Programs & Degrees

Arts & Humanities
Business
Criminal Justice
Education
Health Sciences
Human Services
Psychology
Science & Technology
Arts & Humanities

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

Affordability and Admissions

In addition to college courses, students may complete credit requirements through credit by portfolio, credit by examination, and credit by proficiency.

Classroom Type

Developed with the help of business and industry leaders, the B.A. in communications at NLU prepares students to address the current needs in our digital society.

Career Outlook

Graduates with a bachelor of arts in applied communications are prepared for various positions in the professional world, including:

  • Communications Coordinator
  • Communications Manager
  • Social Media Manager
  • Blogger
  • Marketing Coordinator
  • Marketing Manager
  • Assistant Editor
Cost
  • Full-time, day time:  $10,260 per year
  • Full-time, evening (14-18 credits): $6,000/ term
  • Less than 14 credits: $430/credit hour
  • Full-time plus (19+ credits): $6000/term+ $430 credit above 18
Program Options
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Blended
  • Online
Business
Select a degree option:
Overview
  • Overview
  • Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Management
  • Bachelor of Science in  Business Management Online

Degree Options

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration

Bachelor of Science in Business Management

Bachelor of Science in  Business Management Online

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration

Affordability and Admissions

Students can complete general education requirements through Credit by Portfolio, Credit by Examination (CLEP or DANTES), or Credit by Proficiency.

Classroom Type

Offered with flexible course schedules, the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree combines a strong liberal arts foundation with a proven business curriculum that includes accounting, business law, economics, ethics, information systems, finance management, marketing and strategy.

Career Outlook

National Louis’ B.A. in Business Administration combines a strong liberal arts foundation with business principles to give students a broad understanding of business. Career options include:

  • Accounting/Budget Analyst
  • Business Consultant
  • Project Manager
  • Customer Service Manager
  • Sales Manager
  • Insurance Sales
  • Independent Business Owner
Cost
  • Full-time, day time: $10,260 per year
  • Full-time, evening (14-18 credits): $6,000/ term
  • Less than 14 credits: $430/credit hour
  • Full-time plus (19+ credits): $6000/term+ $430 credit above 18
Program Options
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Evening classes
  • Daytime classes
  • Online
  • Blended
  • On campus

Bachelor of Science in Business Management

Affordability and Admissions

Students can complete general education requirements through Credit by Portfolio, Credit by Examination (CLEP or DANTES), or Credit by Proficiency.

Classroom Type

The bachelor of science in management program is intended for students in all phases of their professional career and undergraduate studies.

Career Outlook

Today’s companies are looking for graduates with both a broad understanding of business as well as an established professional identity. Some of the career options for business degree students include:

  • Project Manager
  • Sales Manager
  • Advertising Manager
  • Insurance Sales
  • Human Resource Manager
  • Entrepreneurial Ventures
Cost
  • Full-time, day time: $10,260 per year
  • Full-time, evening (14-18 credits): $6,000/ term
  • Less than 14 credits: $430/credit hour
  • Full-time plus (19+ credits): $6000/term+ $430 credit above 18
Program Options
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Evening classes
  • Daytime classes
  • Online
  • Blended
  • On campus

Bachelor of Science in  Business Management Online

Affordability and Admissions

Students can complete general education requirements through Credit by Portfolio, Credit by Examination (CLEP or DANTES), or Credit by Proficiency.

Classroom Type

Designed with convenience at the forefront, the online Bachelor of Science in Management program gives you the power to study when and where you want.

Career Outlook

A business degree prepares you for a range of careers. Some of the career options for business degree students include:

  • Project Manager
  • Sales Manager
  • Advertising Manager
  • Insurance Sales
  • Human Resource Manager
  • Entrepreneurial Ventures
Cost
  • Full-time, day time: $10,260 per year
  • Full-time, evening (14-18 credits): $6,000/ term
  • Less than 14 credits: $430/credit hour
  • Full-time plus (19+ credits): $6000/term+ $430 credit above 18
Program Options
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Evening classes
  • Daytime classes
  • Online
Criminal Justice
Select a degree option:
Overview
  • Overview
  • Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
  • Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (Online)

Degree Options

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (Online)

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

Affordability and Admissions

Working with an academic advisor, students will begin the program at a point that reflects their preparation and readiness. In addition to college courses, students may complete general education requirements through Credit by Portfolio, Credit by Examination or Credit by Proficiency.

Classroom Type

Directed by a former homicide detective who became an educator later in his career, NLU’s criminal justice degree program includes guest lectures, class trips and case studies that engage you with the newest developments in the field.

Career Outlook

Criminal justice degree graduates can be found in a number of roles, including:

  • Police officers
  • Forensic scientists
  • Security specialists in business settings
  • Juvenile justice caseworkers
  • Paralegals
  • Correctional officers
  • Probation officers
  • Private investigators
Cost
  • Full-time, day time: $10,260 per year
  • Full-time, evening (14-18 credits): $6,000/ term
  • Less than 14 credits: $430/credit hour
  • Full-time plus (19+ credits): $6000/term+ $430 credit above 18
Program Options
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Blended (Forensic Social Justice)

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (Online)

Affordability and Admissions

Working with an academic advisor, students will begin the program at a point that reflects their preparation and readiness. In addition to college courses, students may complete general education requirements through Credit by Portfolio, Credit by Examination or Credit by Proficiency.

Classroom Type

Directed by a former homicide detective who became an educator later in his career, NLU’s criminal justice degree program includes guest lectures, class trips and case studies that engage you with the newest developments in the field.

Career Outlook

Criminal justice degree graduates can be found in a number of roles, including:

  • Police officers
  • Forensic scientists
  • Security specialists in business settings
  • Juvenile justice caseworkers
  • Paralegals
  • Correctional officers
  • Probation officers
  • Private investigators
Cost
  • Full-time, day time: $10,260 per year
  • Full-time, evening (14-18 credits): $6,000/ term
  • Less than 14 credits: $430/credit hour
  • Full-time plus (19+ credits): $6000/term+ $430 credit above 18
Program Options
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Online (Criminal Justice Administration)
Education
Select a degree option:
Overview
  • Overview
  • Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
  • Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Practice
  • Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education

Degree Options

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Practice

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Affordability and Admissions

The early childhood education degree program accepts the following types of equivalent work: transfer from approved and accredited institutions, appropriate scores in advanced placement tests, and passing scores in CLEP and DANTES examinations.

Classroom Type

A student teaching experience that provides a learning laboratory for candidates to complete the new Illinois requirement related to the educational Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) became an exit requirement in Illinois in September 2015.

NLU’s professional portfolio assessment process documents student learning experiences and practices so that graduates may present a substantive body of work to potential employers.

Career Outlook

Between now and 2026, the demand for competent and compassionate preschool teachers will increase. An increase in children being served through early child care programs will result in excellent opportunities for teachers within this industry.

Cost
  • Full-time, day time: $10,260 per year
  • Full-time, evening (14-18 credits): $6,000/ term
  • Less than 14 credits: $430/credit hour
  • Full-time plus (19+ credits): $6000/term+ $430 credit above 18
Program Options
  • Full-time
  • On campus

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Practice

Classroom Type

NLU’s professional portfolio assessment process documents student learning experiences and practices so that graduates may present a substantive body of work to potential employers.

Career Outlook

National Louis University’s Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Practice program is designed for students who are interested in early development and education but who do not wish to be licensed teachers.

Cost
  • Full-time, day time: $10,260 per year
  • Full-time, evening (14-18 credits): $6,000/ term
  • Less than 14 credits: $430/credit hour
  • Full-time plus (19+ credits): $6000/term+ $430 credit above 18

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education

Affordability and Admissions

The Elementary Teacher Education Program accepts the following types of equivalent work: transfer of courses with a “C” or higher from approved and accredited institutions, appropriate scores on advanced placement tests, and passing scores on CLEP and DANTES examinations.

Classroom Type

You can tailor your elementary education degree program to meet your interests by selecting a specific 30 quarter hour teaching concentration in one of the following areas: English, Fine Arts, Mathematics, Psychology, Science, or Sociology/Anthropology.

Career Outlook

National Louis University’s Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education is for students who would like to earn their elementary education degree in order to attain an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) endorsed for self-contained general education (grades 1-6).

Cost
  • Full-time, day time: $10,260 per year
  • Full-time, evening (14-18 credits): $6,000/ term
  • Less than 14 credits: $430/credit hour
  • Full-time plus (19+ credits): $6000/term+ $430 credit above 18
Health Sciences
Select a degree option:
Overview
  • Overview
  • Bachelor of Science in Health Care Leadership
  • Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Leadership (Online)

Degree Options

Bachelor of Science in Health Care Leadership

Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Leadership (Online)

Bachelor of Science in Health Care Leadership

Affordability and Admissions

Students can take advantage of opportunities to earn credit for life and work experience.

Classroom Type

The blended format includes the perfect mix of online coursework combined with face-to-face, dynamic interactive learning.

Career Outlook

NLU’s Health Care Leadership degree program helps prepare future executives for leadership roles in a wide range of health care settings.

Cost
  • Full-time, day time: $10,260 per year
  • Full-time, evening (14-18 credits): $6,000/ term
  • Less than 14 credits: $430/credit hour
  • Full-time plus (19+ credits): $6000/term+ $430 credit above 18
Program Options
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Blended (Illinois and Florida locations)

Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Leadership (Online)

Affordability and Admissions

Students can take advantage of opportunities to earn credit for life and work experience.

Classroom Type

Students will complete a business plan for a health care delivery service or facility as the capstone project for the program. Students will also complete a vocational portfolio as part of the capstone course, to be used for promoting their employment and/ or advancement in the health-care industry.

Career Outlook

Enhance your B.S. in Health Care Leadership degree and career readiness with a concentration in Long Term Care. The concentration will ready you for licensing by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB).

Cost
  • Full-time, day time: $10,260 per year
  • Full-time, evening (14-18 credits): $6,000/ term
  • Less than 14 credits: $430/credit hour
  • Full-time plus (19+ credits): $6000/term+ $430 credit above 18
Program Options
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Online
Human Services
Select a degree option:
Overview
  • Overview
  • Bachelor of Arts in Human Services
  • Bachelor of Arts in Human Services (Online)

Degree Options

Bachelor of Arts in Human Services

Bachelor of Arts in Human Services (Online)

Bachelor of Arts in Human Services

Affordability and Admissions

In addition to NLU coursework, students may complete these requirements through transfer credit, credit by portfolio, credit by examination (CLEP or DANTES), or credit by proficiency.

Classroom Type

Students enrolled in the Human Services or Human Services/Psychology programs may elect to pursue a minor or concentration in one of the following:

Minors:

  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Criminal Justice

Concentrations:

  • Aging Studies
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership
  • Long Term Care
  • Urban and Policy Studies
Career Outlook

Graduates with a Human Services degree hold various positions, such as social service assistants, case management aides, social work assistants, residential counselors, community support workers, child-care workers, community outreach workers, life skills counselors or gerontology aides.

Cost
  • Full-time, day time: $10,260 per year
  • Full-time, evening (14-18 credits): $6,000/ term
  • Less than 14 credits: $430/credit hour
  • Full-time plus (19+ credits): $6000/term+ $430 credit above 18
Program Options
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Blended

Bachelor of Arts in Human Services (Online)

Affordability and Admissions

In addition to NLU coursework, students may complete these requirements through transfer credit, credit by portfolio, credit by examination (CLEP or DANTES), or credit by proficiency.

Classroom Type

Students enrolled in the Human Services or Human Services/Psychology programs may elect to pursue a minor or concentration in one of the following:

Minors:

  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Criminal Justice

Concentrations:

  • Aging Studies
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership
  • Long Term Care
  • Urban and Policy Studies
Career Outlook

Graduates with a Human Services degree hold various positions, such as social service assistants, case management aides, social work assistants, residential counselors, community support workers, child-care workers, community outreach workers, life skills counselors or gerontology aides.

Cost
  • Full-time, day time: $10,260 per year
  • Full-time, evening (14-18 credits): $6,000/ term
  • Less than 14 credits: $430/credit hour
  • Full-time plus (19+ credits): $6000/term+ $430 credit above 18
Program Options
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Online
Psychology

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Affordability and Admissions

Students can complete general education requirements through Credit by Portfolio, Credit by Examination (CLEP or DANTES), or Credit by Proficiency.

Classroom Type

During the cohort-based program, which follows a blended online/on-campus format, students will study a prescribed sequence of courses with the same group of students. The cohort model provides students with a fixed schedule so they may complete the program in a timely fashion.

Career Outlook

Students with a bachelor’s degree in psychology assist other psychologists in community mental health centers, rehabilitation offices, and in other areas, such as sales, service, and business management.

Cost
  • Full-time, day time: $10,260 per year
  • Full-time, evening (14-18 credits): $6,000/ term
  • Less than 14 credits: $430/credit hour
  • Full-time plus (19+ credits): $6000/term+ $430 credit above 18
Program Options
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Blended
Science & Technology

Bachelor of Science in Computer Sciences and Information Systems

Affordability and Admissions

In addition to college courses, students may complete general education requirements through Credit by Portfolio, Credit by Examination (CLEP or DANTES) or Credit by Proficiency.

Classroom Type

NLU’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Sciences and Information Systems combines theory and practical application of computer science and information systems to real-world scenarios in cutting-edge computer lab spaces. You will complete your study with a blend of online and face-to-face instruction.

Career Outlook

Computer Sciences and Information Systems graduates are prepared for well-paying jobs in the following growth fields:

  • Computer network architect
  • Computer systems analyst
  • Database administrator
  • Information security analyst
  • Network and computer systems administrator
  • Software developer
  • Web developer
Cost
  • Full-time, day time: $10,260 per year
  • Full-time, evening (14-18 credits): $6,000/ term
  • Less than 14 credits: $430/credit hour
  • Full-time plus (19+ credits): $6000/term+ $430 credit above 18
Program Options
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Blended

What Others are Saying

Contact National Louis University

Contact Admissions

www.nl.edu/admissions

Campus Locations

122 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603

5110 Sunforest Drive, Suite 102
Tampa, FL 33634

Find NLU Online

www.nl.edu

Abound - Degrees of Opportunity

​Abound is a college guidance system for degree-seeking adults. We help students find the best place to earn an undergraduate degree, graduate degree, nursing degree, or MBA. The colleges we work with are nationally recognized for program excellence, with courses available on campus, online, or both.​

  • Contact Us
  • Nominate a School
  • Privacy & Terms
  • Finish College
  • Grad School
  • Nursing
  • MBA
© 2023 Abound / Colleges of Distinction

Website made by the MAC

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Are you a high school student? Check out

COLLEGES OF DISTINCTION