National Louis University
National Louis University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
National Louis University at a Glance
National Louis University (NLU) is a private university with its main campus in Chicago, Illinois, United States. NLU enrolls undergraduate and graduate students in more than 60 programs across its four colleges. It has locations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area as well as a regional campus in Tampa, Florida, where it serves students from 13 counties in that state's central region.
1886
140 years old
$89M
$88.7 million (2025)
8,270
4,239 undergrad · 4,031 grad
198
Identity
Is National Louis University Worth It?
At a value score of 30/100, National Louis University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $45,799 — 15% below average — while paying $12,641/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 33% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 95% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at National Louis University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How National Louis University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #15 of 43 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #2 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #3 | Mercy University | 43 | $14,072 | $52,055 |
| #4 | St. Mary's University | 40 | $21,145 | $56,955 |
| #5 | University of the Cumberlands | 39 | $14,107 | $45,036 |
| #6 | Ranken Technical College | 39 | $18,795 | $55,955 |
| #15 | National Louis University | 30 | $12,641 | $45,799 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of National Louis University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in IL.
Best Programs at National Louis University
The highest-earning program at National Louis University is Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods at $54,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $32,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods graduate from National Louis University earns $54,400, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $32,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods graduates carry $24,201 in median debt vs. $35,250 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,641/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $54,400 | $54,400 | $24,201 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $46,000 | $46,000 | $23,500 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $37,400 | $37,400 | $25,583 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $34,300 | $34,300 | $21,370 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $32,500 | $32,500 | $30,061 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $32,300 | $32,300 | $35,250 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Chicago, IL
- Student Body
- 4,406 students
- Admission Rate
- 95%
- Graduation Rate
- 33%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,641
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,799
- Median Student Debt
- $19,750