Students at National Louis University benefit from an educational experience that delivers meaningful earnings beyond expectations, particularly valuable for first-generation and working-class students.
The university's exceptional access combined with strong graduate financial stability creates pathways to middle-class careers for populations often underserved by higher education.
National Louis University ranks in the lower tier among private nonprofit institutions, reflecting a complex profile that balances strong access with modest financial outcomes. Located in Chicago, this medium-sized private university serves a predominantly first-generation and Pell-eligible student body, with 57% of students receiving Pell Grants and over 50% being first-generation college students. The university's commitment to access is evident in its broad admissions approach and substantial transfer student population, making up about 22% of enrolled students.
While National Louis University excels at opening doors for underserved populations, graduate earnings present a more mixed picture. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $45,799, which places the institution in the 35th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. However, the university does demonstrate meaningful value-added impact, with graduates earning about $34,958 more than similar students at comparable institutions might expect.
The university's mission centers on serving adult learners, working professionals, and non-traditional students through flexible program delivery and comprehensive support services. This focus on accessibility and student support creates an environment where many students who might struggle elsewhere can complete their degrees, though families should carefully weigh the moderate debt levels against typical post-graduation earnings when making enrollment decisions.
National Louis University's program portfolio reflects its mission of serving adult learners and career changers, with particular strength in education, interdisciplinary studies, and specialized professional fields. Adult and Continuing Education dominates the university's offerings, graduating 156 students annually with median earnings of $33,480, representing the largest economic impact among all programs. This concentration aligns with the university's focus on working professionals seeking career advancement or career changes.
Actuarial Science stands out as the university's highest-earning program, with 84 graduates earning around $56,234 early in their careers, demonstrating the institution's ability to prepare students for specialized, high-demand fields when enrollment is sufficient. Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies, the second-largest program with 94 graduates, produces earnings around $34,882, reflecting the university's flexibility in allowing students to design customized academic paths.
The program mix emphasizes practical, career-oriented education rather than traditional liberal arts or research-focused disciplines. Adult Development and Aging, while showing more modest earnings at $32,032, represents the university's commitment to serving specialized populations and addressing societal needs. This portfolio creates multiple pathways for non-traditional students to achieve career stability and professional growth, even if dramatic salary increases remain limited compared to more selective institutions.
National Louis University graduates achieve moderate long-term earnings, with a median income of $45,799 ten years after enrollment. While this places the institution in the lower third nationally for absolute earnings, graduates do see meaningful value beyond expectations, earning approximately $34,958 more than similar students at comparable institutions. This earnings advantage suggests the university provides genuine educational value, even if absolute salary levels remain modest compared to more selective institutions.
Program outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Actuarial Science stands out as the highest-earning major, with graduates earning around $56,234 early in their careers, demonstrating the university's ability to prepare students for specialized, high-demand fields. Adult and Continuing Education represents the largest program by total economic impact, graduating 156 students annually with median earnings of $33,480. Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies, the second-largest program with 94 graduates, produces earnings around $34,882, while Adult Development and Aging shows more modest outcomes at $32,032.
The university's program mix reflects its mission of serving adult learners and career changers, with strong concentrations in education, interdisciplinary studies, and professional development fields. These programs typically lead to stable, service-oriented careers rather than high-salary positions, which helps explain the moderate overall earnings profile while still providing meaningful career advancement for the populations the university serves.
National Louis University offers relatively affordable net prices for a private institution, particularly for lower-income families. Low-income students pay approximately $15,357 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $17,887 per year. Even high-income families face net prices of $25,279, which remains competitive compared to many private universities. These pricing levels reflect the university's commitment to accessibility and its focus on serving working-class and first-generation students.
Debt levels require careful consideration given the moderate earnings outcomes. Typical graduates leave with about $19,750 in federal student loan debt, while families who use Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $15,500. While these amounts are not excessive compared to national averages, they represent a meaningful financial commitment given that graduates earn a median of $45,799 ten years after enrollment. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that most borrowers successfully manage their repayment obligations, though this may reflect the institution's support systems rather than optimal debt-to-income ratios.
National Louis University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
