Mission Statement
National Louis University is an inclusive, innovative community providing educational opportunities that inspire and empower all learners as they prepare for and advance in meaningful lives and productive careers.
A Brief History
One hundred forty (140) years ago, National Louis University was founded on the principle that a quality education can transform lives, careers, and communities. In 1886, urban education pioneer and community activist Elizabeth Harrison had the then-revolutionary idea to create a school to train women to teach very young children with the aim of improving prospects for families and neighborhoods. From its beginnings as Miss Harrison’s Training School, the institution became the home of the modern American kindergarten movement and the National Congress of Mothers, later known as the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). In 1930, after three other name changes, the school became the National College of Education (NCE) and introduced the first four-year teacher-training course in the state of Illinois.
In 1986, Michael W. Louis provided a historic $30 million gift – among the largest ever granted to a college or university in Illinois. This contribution enabled the institution to greatly expand its programs. The university was renamed National Louis University in 1990 in honor of the Louis family gift.
In 2015, NLU launched a new undergraduate experience designed to reimagine higher education, with the goal of increasing bachelor’s degree attainment and employment opportunities for students who have faced persistent barriers in college and the workforce, and to do so by removing the most common obstacles to postsecondary success.
In 2018, NLU acquired Kendall College, adding culinary and hospitality management programs. And in 2020, NLU formed two dynamic new colleges, the Graduate School of Business and Leadership and the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, as well as Accelerate U, an innovative program offering a rapid pathway to a full-time job that also builds toward a full bachelor's degree.
In 2023, NLU launched the School of Nursing to help address the national shortage of nurses and provide opportunities for students interested in healthcare careers. Also, in 2023, Washington Monthly, which ranks colleges based on their contribution to the public good, ranked National Louis University at number 30 overall nationally, 4th in the nation for social mobility, and number 1 in the Midwest for “best bang for the buck.”
Today, NLU is the outcome of and testament to the vision of our founders. A university that excels in creating learning communities where theory complements practice, NLU sustains a tradition of access to higher education for first-generation and urban university students who want to make a lasting impact in their lives and communities.
The University serves nearly 13,000 students annually at locations in Illinois, Florida, and online everywhere and is proud of the 100,000 living alumni using their NLU education to serve others. Eddie Phillips, Ed.D. is the institution's twelfth president. For more information visit www.nl.edu.
A Note from the President
Dear Student,
Welcome to National Louis University.
Whether you are beginning your academic journey or continuing toward your next educational or professional goal, I am honored that you have chosen National Louis University to be part of your future. You have joined a community that has been expanding opportunity through education for more than 140 years, and we are committed to helping you achieve your aspirations.
At NLU, students are at the center of everything we do. We believe that academic excellence extends beyond the classroom. It is reflected in rigorous and relevant curricula, exceptional faculty, personalized support, meaningful co-curricular experiences, and career preparation that equips you to succeed long after graduation. Our commitment is to provide an educational experience that challenges you intellectually, supports you personally, and prepares you to lead with confidence, integrity, and purpose.
The Academic Catalog is one of the most important resources available to you throughout your time at NLU. It serves as the official guide to our academic programs, policies, procedures, and degree requirements. I encourage you to become familiar with its contents and to use it alongside your faculty, academic advisors, and student support teams as you plan your educational journey.
National Louis University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and workforce education programs designed to meet the needs of today's learners and tomorrow's workforce. Whether your goal is to begin a new career, advance in your profession, continue your education, or develop new skills, you will find opportunities that are flexible, relevant, and aligned with your ambitions.
As you pursue your education, I encourage you to take full advantage of everything NLU has to offer. Engage with your faculty. Build relationships with your classmates. Participate in campus and co-curricular activities. Seek guidance from your advisors and career development professionals. The more you invest in your experience, the more you will gain from it.
More than 100,000 National Louis University alumni have gone on to lead meaningful lives and careers while making lasting contributions to their professions and communities. I look forward to seeing the impact you will make and the unique story you will add to that legacy.
On behalf of our faculty and staff, thank you for choosing National Louis University. We are honored to be part of your journey and are committed to supporting your success every step of the way.
Together, we are building a stronger future—one learner, one community, and one generation at a time.
Best wishes,
Eddie J. Phillips Jr., Ed.D.
President
Locations
Illinois Locations
Downtown Chicago
122 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603-3032
888.658.8632
18 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603-3032
888.658.8632
National Louis University’s main campus in downtown Chicago consists of space in two historic landmark buildings at 122 S. Michigan Avenue and 18 S. Michigan Avenue. These buildings house campus classrooms, developmental skills laboratories, computer labs, a library and the NLU gift shop. The offices of the President, Provost and other academic and administrative personnel are also located on this campus.
Programs in the National College of Education, the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, the Graduate School of Business and Leadership, the Undergraduate College, Kendall College and Accelerate U are offered on this campus with classes scheduled during the daytime, evening and weekends. The NLU P.A.C.E. program is also housed on this campus.
Lisle
850 Warrenville Road
Lisle, IL 60532
888.658.8632
NLU Lisle offers working adults upper-level undergraduate and graduate programs in the National College of Education, the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, and the Graduate School of Business and Leadership. It includes classrooms, administration and faculty offices, computer labs, student lounges and a library. The Center for Literacy Excellence is also housed in this location.
Wheeling
1000 Capitol Drive
Wheeling, IL 60090-7201
888.658.8632
Classes at the Wheeling location are easily accessible to adults who live and work in northwest Cook and Lake Counties, offering graduate programs in the National College of Education and the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, as well as programs for traditional students through the Undergraduate College. The Wheeling location offers classrooms, computer labs and student lounges. It also houses student records. Many university faculty, administrators and staff members have offices in Wheeling.
Other Locations
Florida Regional Center
6550 West Hillsborough Avenue, Suite 100
Tampa, FL 33634
888.658.8632
Serving a diverse Florida population, this NLU location supports class groups throughout the state and offers programs through the National College of Education, the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, and the Graduate School of Business and Leadership. The Florida Regional Center provides a full range of NLU services, including enrollment counseling, academic services, financial services, academic development, information and library support and student affairs. The Center offers classrooms, a computer lab, library support and a student lounge.
Note: NLU also teaches courses at offsite locations but only with HLC approval and after a thorough review process to ensure that the facility meets the requirements for academic learning. Please contact an enrollment specialist to learn more about other locations.
Accreditation and Approvals
Institutional Accreditation
National Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Please visit NLU Accreditation for more information.
Specialized and Programmatic Accreditation
Please click on the respective college names to learn more about their programmatic and specialized approvals, a high-level summary is provided below:
- The National College of Education meets all standards of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Select programs are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education for licensure of education professionals.
- Certain business and health-related programs in the Graduate School of Business and Leadership have earned professional accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
- The counseling programs in the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and the clinical psychology programs are accredited by the American Psychological Association.
- A few programs in Kendall College are accredited by the American Culinary Federation.
- The social work program in the Undergraduate College has initial accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education and select programs are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education for licensure of education professionals.
State Approvals
National Louis University is authorized to operate as a degree granting institution in the following states:
Illinois: The University is authorized to operate in Illinois by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
Florida: National Louis University is a not-for-profit organization registered with the Florida Division of Corporations to do business in Florida.
The University holds License by Means of Accreditation from the Florida Commission for Independent Education of the Florida Department of Education to operate as a university, to offer programs of instruction, and to award degrees. Additional information regarding NLU may be obtained by contacting the Commission for Independent Education at: 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400. Toll free phone number: 888.224.6684.
Credit and degrees earned from colleges in the State of Florida which are licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education do not automatically qualify the holder for a Florida teaching certificate. Any person interested in obtaining a Florida teaching certificate should contact the Office of Teacher Certification, Department of Education, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400.
Please see the following program pages for specific licensure and endorsement information:
For additional information regarding programs that lead to licensure and/or certification please visit the NLU Public Disclosures for Licensure page.
NLU is also a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA). As a SARA member, NLU is authorized to offer distance education to other SARA member states.