National Louis University ranks among the highest we track for educational value creation, generating nearly $35,000 in earnings beyond expectations. With open access admissions serving 57.3% Pell-eligible students, the university demonstrates exceptional effectiveness in converting educational opportunity into economic advancement.
Earning well above average designation driven by exceptional educational value creation
With above average performance, supported by net prices below peer medians and controlled debt levels
With well above average performance, reflecting the university's commitment to serving 57.3% Pell-eligible and 50.4% first-generation students
Around the national average, reflecting the complex relationship between serving high-need populations and achieving economic advancement outcomes
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisNational Louis University demonstrates exceptional return on educational investment through remarkable earnings uplift relative to student backgrounds. The university generates $34,958 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 98th percentile nationally among the highest we track for educational value creation.
While median earnings of $45,799 appear modestly below average in absolute terms, this figure represents extraordinary achievement given the demographics of students served, with 57.3% receiving Pell grants and 50.4% representing first-generation college students. Earnings span from $26,351 at the 25th percentile to $68,973 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career outcomes across programs.
Adult learners and working professionals seeking specialized programs with strong return on educational investment. National Louis University's open access admissions (93.1% acceptance rate) combined with exceptional earnings beyond expectations makes it well-suited for non-traditional students pursuing education, business, or health programs.
National Louis University admits 93.1% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the university in the Open Access category, indicating minimal barriers to enrollment for students meeting basic eligibility requirements.
The peer median admission rate of 70.6% shows that National Louis University maintains significantly more accessible admission standards than typical institutions in its comparison group. This high acceptance rate reflects the university's mission to serve adult learners, working professionals, and students who may not have traditional academic preparation.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
National Louis University's published cost of attendance totals $25,350 annually, including $12,345 in tuition and fees. However, the average student pays just $16,157 after financial aid, representing savings of $9,193 through institutional and federal assistance.
This net price falls $10,986 below the peer median of $27,143, creating favorable affordability conditions compared to similar institutions. The university's net price structure demonstrates strong financial aid targeting, with costs varying significantly by family income level.
Students from the lowest-income families pay $15,357 annually, while those from the highest-income brackets pay $25,279, creating an income-based pricing differential of nearly $10,000. This progressive cost structure aligns with the university's mission to serve 57.3% Pell-eligible students and reflects federal and institutional aid concentration toward families with the greatest financial need.
The relatively low sticker price compared to many private institutions, combined with substantial aid availability, positions National Louis University as an affordable option within the private nonprofit sector.
Clinical Research Coordinator.
39 graduates
Actuarial Science.
84 graduates
Business Administration and Management, General.
36 graduates
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other.
28 graduates
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
94 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
St. Joseph's University-New York Similar quality tier (#451 ranked) | NY | 71% | $63,905 | #451 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the National Louis University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/national-louis-university/analysis.
Top 5% nationally for earnings beyond expectations
National Louis University ranks #325 nationally with composite performance at the 80th percentile, reflecting well above average institutional effectiveness. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this medium-sized private nonprofit university maintains open access admission standards with a 93.1% acceptance rate while delivering remarkable earnings outcomes relative to student demographics.
The university enrolls 57.3% Pell-eligible students and 50.4% first-generation students, indicating strong commitment to serving diverse populations. National Louis University generates $34,958 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, ranking at the 98th percentile and earning the tier designation of among the highest we track.
This exceptional value-added performance places the institution among the top 5% nationally for educational uplift. Median earnings reach $45,799 ten years after enrollment, which, while modestly below average in absolute terms, represents extraordinary outcomes given the student population served.
The university's 22.7% graduate school continuation rate suggests balanced pathways between workforce entry and advanced study.
Open access admission means that most students who apply with a high school diploma or equivalent and complete the application process successfully gain admission. However, students should understand that admission accessibility does not guarantee academic success, as evidenced by the university's 56.4% retention rate and 36.9% completion rate.
For prospective students, National Louis University represents a viable option for those seeking educational opportunity without the stress of competitive admission processes. Students considering the university should focus their evaluation on program fit, career alignment, and their readiness for the academic commitment rather than admission probability.
National Louis University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth from early to mid-career periods. Median earnings progress from $43,562 six years after enrollment to $44,485 at eight years and $45,799 at ten years, representing 5.1% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect data from a ten-year cohort of 2,291 graduates, providing strong confidence in reported figures. The university's standout characteristic lies in educational value creation: graduates earn $34,958 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing National Louis University at the 98th percentile for earnings uplift and among the highest we track.
Low-income graduates earn $38,200, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in serving Pell-eligible populations who comprise 57.3% of enrollment. The earnings range from $26,351 at the 25th percentile to $68,973 at the 75th percentile reflects program diversity and varied career trajectories.
Approximately 22.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. Given the high proportion of first-generation students (50.4%), these outcomes represent significant intergenerational economic mobility.
National Louis University offers 10 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data available for analysis. Clinical Research Coordinator ranks #2 nationally and #1 in Illinois, graduating 39 students with median earnings of $75,998 and an exceptional value score of 98.6.
Actuarial Science ranks #36 nationally and #2 in Illinois, producing 84 graduates with median earnings of $68,572 and a strong value score of 47.8. Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching represents the university's largest program, graduating 156 students annually with median earnings of $39,344 and ranking #104 nationally and #8 in Illinois.
Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies ranks #70 nationally and #2 in Illinois, graduating 94 students with median earnings of $42,929. Criminology ranks #38 nationally and #3 in Illinois, producing 29 graduates with median earnings of $42,682.
The university's program portfolio reflects its mission of serving adult learners and working professionals across education, business, and health-related fields.
Linfield University Similar quality tier (#455 ranked) | OR | 88% | $78,638 | #455 | Compare |
University Of Rochester Similar quality tier (#456 ranked) | NY | 36% | $79,042 | #456 | Compare |
Maryville University Of Saint Louis Similar quality tier in Midwest (#449 ranked) | MO | 94% | $62,105 | #449 | Compare |
Xavier University Of Louisiana Similar quality tier (#457 ranked) | LA | 74% | $52,184 | #457 | Compare |
