Attendee Numbers At National Louis University: How Many Students?

National Louis University (NLU) is a private, non-profit university with campuses across the Chicago metropolitan area and a regional campus in Tampa, Florida. Founded in 1886, the university has played a historic role in the education sector, with its founders helping to start the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and promoting early childhood education theory and practice. NLU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its four colleges, with a total enrollment of around 11,728 students as of 2025. The student body is diverse, with a mix of full-time, part-time, adult, and transfer students, as well as a significant proportion of first-generation college attendees.

Undergraduate enrollment: 3,601-5,882

National Louis University (NLU) is a private, non-profit university with its main campus in Chicago, Illinois, and locations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. It also has a regional campus in Tampa, Florida. NLU offers undergraduate and graduate programs across its four colleges, with a total enrollment of 11,728 students as of 2025.

Focusing on undergraduate enrollment, NLU has seen an increase in its student population in recent years. For the 2023-24 academic year, NLU's undergraduate enrollment was 5,882, which is a slight increase from the previous year's figure of 5,846. This number includes full-time, daytime, first-time students, as well as evening and weekend adult and transfer students, and fully online adult and transfer students.

A more specific breakdown of NLU's undergraduate enrollment for the 2023-24 academic year is as follows:

• Full-time, daytime, first-time students: 1,642
• Evening/weekend adult and transfer students: 259
• Fully online adult and transfer students: 2,493

NLU's undergraduate enrollment numbers vary across sources, with some figures indicating an enrollment of 4,239 for the fall of 2023, while others state 3,601 for the same time period. These discrepancies may be due to different data collection methods or varying inclusion criteria for undergraduate students.

The university's undergraduate programs offer a range of academic options, with 23 bachelor's degrees available. NLU's undergraduate college is dedicated to supporting underserved but college-qualified high school graduates by providing them with an education at a reduced tuition rate. The university also offers undergraduate coursework at its downtown Chicago and suburban campuses, as well as online.

Graduate enrollment: 5,846

National Louis University (NLU) is a private, non-profit university with its main campus in Chicago, Illinois, and locations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. It also has a regional campus in Tampa, Florida, and branch campuses in Elgin, Skokie, Lisle, and Wheeling. NLU offers a variety of programs at different levels, including pre-bachelor's, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees. The university has a total enrollment of 11,728 students, with 5,846 graduate students and 5,882 undergraduate students. This makes the graduate student population approximately 50% of the total enrollment.

The graduate programs at NLU are designed to help students advance their careers and build upon their undergraduate education. The university offers a range of master's and doctoral programs across its various colleges and schools, including the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, the Graduate School of Business and Leadership, and the National College of Education. NLU's graduate programs are known for their flexibility and accessibility, with many programs offered in online or hybrid formats to accommodate working professionals and non-traditional students.

One of the unique aspects of NLU's graduate programs is their focus on career-oriented education. The university has a strong track record of producing alumni who go on to successful careers in their respective fields. According to statistics, NLU students enter the workforce earning an estimated average of $43,000 per year after graduation. This places NLU among the top five of all Illinois post-secondary schools in terms of graduate earnings. The university's career-focused approach is reflected in its programs, which are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills sought by employers.

NLU's graduate programs also benefit from the university's commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The university has been recognized as a Minority Serving Institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution by the US Department of Education. This commitment to diversity is reflected in the graduate student population, which includes students from a range of backgrounds, ages, and experiences. The average age of graduate students at NLU is 38, which indicates that the university caters to both traditional and non-traditional students.

NLU's graduate enrollment of 5,846 students contributes to the vibrant and diverse community that the university fosters. The university's graduate programs offer a range of specializations and areas of study, allowing students to pursue their academic and career goals. With its focus on career development, commitment to diversity, and flexible program offerings, NLU attracts graduate students from across the country and contributes to its reputation as an innovative leader in higher education.

Total enrollment: 11,728

National Louis University (NLU) is a private, non-profit university with its main campus in Chicago, Illinois, and locations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. It also has a regional campus in Tampa, Florida, and branch campuses in Elgin, Skokie, Lisle, and Wheeling. The university offers a blend of traditional academic instruction and practical experience to prepare its students for their chosen careers.

NLU has a total enrollment of 11,728 students, including both undergraduate and graduate students. The undergraduate enrollment is made up of 4,239 students, as of fall 2023. The university offers a wide range of programs, with 22 bachelor's programs and 28 master's programs. The average age of undergraduate students is 28, while the average age of graduate students is 38.

NLU's student population is diverse, with a significant number of first-generation college students and students from underrepresented minorities. The university is committed to accessibility and inclusivity, and it provides reduced tuition rates for underserved high school graduates who are college-qualified. NLU also offers flexible class options, including face-to-face, hybrid, and online courses, to accommodate the varying needs of its students.

The university has a long history dating back to 1886, when it was founded by Elizabeth Harrison to train "Kindergarteners," young women teachers who pioneered the early childhood education movement. Over the years, NLU has undergone several name changes and relocations. It has received significant funding for applied research projects and has produced notable alumni who have made impacts in various fields, including education, politics, and culinary arts.

40% of students are Pell-eligible

National Louis University (NLU) is a private, non-profit university with its main campus in Chicago, Illinois, and locations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. It also has a regional campus in Tampa, Florida, serving students from 13 counties in the state's central region. NLU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across its four colleges, with a total enrollment of 11,728 students. Of these, 5,882 are undergraduate students, and 5,846 are graduate students.

NLU has a significant proportion of students who are Pell-eligible, receiving Federal Pell Grants intended for low-income students. In the 2023-24 academic year, NLU's Undergraduate College (UGC) served 4,425 undergraduate students, of whom 66% were Pell-eligible. This means that approximately 2,920 of the full-time, daytime, first-time students were receiving Pell Grants. In addition, out of the 2,752 adult and transfer college students, 40% were Pell-eligible, resulting in about 1,100 students receiving this form of financial aid.

The Pell-eligible status of NLU students is a reflection of the university's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. The university's Undergraduate College is dedicated to supporting underserved but college-qualified high school graduates by offering them a reduced tuition rate. This initiative aligns with NLU's broader mission to provide a superior and supportive educational experience for students from diverse backgrounds.

The high percentage of Pell-eligible students at NLU also underscores the importance of financial aid in making higher education attainable for low-income individuals. Pell Grants, in particular, play a crucial role in ensuring that students from disadvantaged backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue a college education. This is evident in the significant representation of Pell-eligible students within the full-time, daytime, and first-time student population at NLU, where 66% of this cohort receive Pell Grants.

Moreover, the presence of a substantial number of Pell-eligible students at NLU highlights the university's success in attracting a diverse student body. The university's ranking as a top national university by Washington Monthly in 2022, taking into account its commitment to public service and inclusivity, further underscores this point. NLU's efforts to foster inclusivity and accessibility have resulted in a more equitable learning environment, benefiting students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds.

59.6% are first-generation college students

National Louis University (NLU) is a private, non-profit university with campuses in Chicago, Illinois, and Tampa, Florida. NLU offers over 80 career-focused certificate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The university has a total enrollment of 11,728 students, with a fairly even split between graduate and undergraduate students.

NLU's first-time college students are an impressive cohort. Of the 1,642 full-time, day-time, first-time students, 66% are Pell-eligible, 59.6% are first-generation college students, 54.5% are Hispanic, and 18.7% are African American. This means that nearly 60% of these first-time students are the first in their families to attend college. This is a significant proportion and demonstrates NLU's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

First-generation college students face unique challenges and often require additional support to navigate the complexities of higher education. NLU recognizes this and provides a range of resources to assist these students in their academic journey. The university offers personalized programs, small class sizes, and a supportive community of peers and staff who empower students' career development. NLU also offers flexible and convenient program options, including day or night classes, full-time or part-time enrollment, and in-person, virtual, or online learning modes.

The university's dedication to supporting first-generation college students extends beyond the classroom. NLU's Student Success Coaches and adaptive learning technologies help students stay on track and personalize their educational experience. The university also emphasizes the importance of community partnerships, which provide students with access to a wide range of career opportunities.

NLU's commitment to first-generation college students is evident in its recognition and rankings. In 2023, NLU was ranked #4 for driving social mobility by Washington Monthly, acknowledging its role in creating opportunities for students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.

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