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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $24,154 |
| Tuition and Fees | $12,705 |
| Books and Supplies | $0 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,513 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $12,641 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $12,462 |
| $30–48k | $11,567 |
| $48–75k | $12,996 |
| $75–110k | $15,447 |
| $110k+ | $17,956 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
National Louis University graduates carry median debt of $19,750, which falls $4,431 below the peer median of $24,181 and ranks above average nationally at the 71st percentile for debt management. Student debt ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $23,084 at the 75th percentile, indicating that one-quarter of graduates complete their education with minimal borrowing while three-quarters borrow less than $23,000.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 means that typical graduates owe approximately 43 cents for every dollar of annual earnings, which represents a manageable relationship between educational investment and earning capacity. Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $15,500 with monthly payments of approximately $204, though this represents additional family financial obligations beyond student borrowing.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
National Louis University delivers exceptional return on educational investment through remarkable value creation relative to student demographics. Graduates earn $34,958 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, ranking at the 98th percentile among the highest we track for educational uplift.
While median earnings of $45,799 appear modestly below peer institutions, this outcome represents extraordinary achievement given that 57.3% of students receive Pell grants and 50.4% are first-generation college students. The university's debt levels of $19,750 fall below peer medians by $4,431, creating favorable conditions for post-graduation financial management.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 indicates sustainable borrowing relative to income potential. Students considering National Louis University should evaluate the institution's proven track record of educational value creation alongside their specific program interests and career goals.
National Louis University serves a predominantly lower-income student population, with 57.3% of students receiving Pell grants compared to national averages around 35%. This high Pell share indicates that the majority of students come from families earning under $50,000 annually and qualify for substantial federal aid.
The university's financial aid strategy effectively reduces costs for students with the greatest need, as evidenced by the $9,193 average savings from sticker price to net price. The progressive pricing structure, where lower-income students pay approximately $10,000 less than higher-income peers, demonstrates institutional commitment to affordability for target populations.
Students should understand that financial aid packaging likely includes a combination of federal Pell grants, institutional grants, and federal student loans. The university's below-peer net pricing suggests competitive aid leveraging that makes private education accessible to students who might otherwise rely solely on public institutions.
The combination of controlled student debt levels and below-peer borrowing patterns suggests that National Louis University's pricing and aid strategies help students limit their financial exposure while completing degree programs.
