National Louis University
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Undergraduate College
Our undergraduate college offers a uniquely affordable, rigorous, supportive, and professionally-focused education to students across a variety of major options, including business, education, computer science and information systems, and social and behavioral sciences.
NLU’s innovative student-focused approach to undergraduate education has several distinctive features:
• Affordable tuition (approximately $10,000 per year)
• A personalized instructional approach
• Flexible course schedule
• Career preparation
College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences: Graduate
The College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences offers holistic professional preparation and contemporary academic experience in the areas of Behavioral Science, Counseling, Counselor Education and Psychology.
The College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences at National Louis University also features the Illinois (ISPP) and Florida (FSPP) Schools of Professional Psychology, which aim to prepare graduates to engage the world as health service psychologists.
National College of Education
What began in 1886 as a training school for kindergarten teachers has evolved into a nationally-accredited college of education known for preparing exemplary educators. Today, the work of our passionate faculty, students, and alumni connects our rich past to a bright future of innovation and excellence that serves all learners.
Our goal is to prepare and advance teachers and educational leaders to improve schools and student outcomes with our work. At the National College of Education, we:
Are committed to diversity and supporting the needs of all learners, regardless of race, ethnicity, socio-economic and educational advantage, religion, and other characteristics that create the vibrancy of our communities.
Are committed to field- and practice-based programming that integrates theory, practice, reflection, and coaching.
Recognize the centrality of carefully constructed digital learning environments and the seamless integration of advanced technological tools into education.
Graduate School of Business and Leadership
The Graduate School of Business and Leadership was designed to help students launch their business career, or take it to the next level. Whether just starting out in their career, seeking to change professions or wanting to take their business savvy to the next level with a master's degree, the Graduate School of Business and Leadership helps students achieve their goals.
Kendall College
The Kendall College of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management at National Louis University is the No. 1 program in Chicago for preparing students for careers in these fields. We combine a strong academic foundation with transformative practical experience, so our students are ready to hit the ground running when they embark on their chosen careers. The culinary arts and baking and pastry associate programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation accreditation commission.
Accelerate U
Accelerate U at National Louis University offers affordable, rapid training experiences that come with college credit, industry credentials and a path to a full-time job immediately. Our first-of-its-kind, "job-first" higher education program offers learners a rapid pathway to a full-time job. We partner with innovative local employers to build affordable academic and training pathways that lead to an industry-recognized credential in three to six months; focus on both technical and professional (“durable”) skill development; include coaching, wrap-around supports, and career counseling; and allow participants to earn up to 30 college credits that can build to a bachelor’s degree.
Veterans Resource Center
The Veterans Resource Center utilizes a holistic approach to serving student veterans and military-connected students. Our ‘wrap-around’ services help students find resources and support from NLU and community partners.
NLU Food Pantry
The mission of the NLU Food Pantry is to exclusively support NLU students impacted by food insecurity through expanded services at our Chicago campus and a mobile food pantry in Wheeling.
Basic needs insecurities are a barrier for degree completion for the students who can most benefit from the social mobility a college degree provides. In a recent study, 55% of participating NLU students experienced challenges in securing food or housing. Specifically, 40% reported being food insecure in the prior 30 days, a rate higher than our peer institutions. NLU is committed to eliminating that barrier and supporting all our students!
Where we work
External reviews

Photos
Videos
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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Who are the people you serve with your mission?
Students.
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How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?
Electronic surveys (by email, tablet, etc.), Focus groups or interviews (by phone or in person), Constituent (client or resident, etc.) advisory committees, Suggestion box/email,
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals,
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What significant change resulted from feedback?
NLU recently implemented a new Degree Audit system, Degree Works, in 2021-22. NLU’s previous audit system was more than 15 years old, and often caused confusion among the advising staff that used it daily, and was generally ignored by students because of the confusing format. NLU’s new audit system will streamline student support, an initiative in the 2030 Strategic Plan, while also providing students with a clear path to degree, allowing them to take more ownership of their educational journey as a partner with their advisor. Since the implementation in February 2022, Degree Works has been used frequently by staff and students.
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With whom is the organization sharing feedback?
The people we serve, Our staff, Our board, Our funders, Our community partners,
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How has asking for feedback from the people you serve changed your relationship?
In recent years, we have established a variety of student advisory groups to increase two-way communication between students and administration. As a result of the student advisory structure, we have strategically placed students to serve on university committees to bring student voice across the institution. Examples include University Assessment Council, Commencement Planning Committee, and Civic Engagement Committee.
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We take steps to get feedback from marginalized or under-represented people, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We look for patterns in feedback based on demographics (e.g., race, age, gender, etc.), We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.), We engage the people who provide feedback in looking for ways we can improve in response, We act on the feedback we receive, We tell the people who gave us feedback how we acted on their feedback, We ask the people who gave us feedback how well they think we responded,
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback, Staff find it hard to prioritize feedback collection and review due to lack of time,
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
National Louis University
Board of directorsas of 11/28/2022
Mr. Thomas J. Formolo
New Harbor Capitol
Michelle Collins
Cambium LLC
Marty J. Mickey
National Louis University
Diane M. Trausch
National Louis University
Juan Carlos Avila
Faro Advisory
Penny Brown
Consultant
Julie Chavez
Bank of America
Peter B. Cherecwich
Northern Trust Chicago
Elizabeth A. Dozier
Chicago Beyond Inc.
James A. Floyd
Cleveland Avenue LLC
Janet Froetscher
Pritzker Family Foundation
Jack D. Furst
Oak Stream Investors
Cornelius Griggs
GMA Construction Group
Bruce E. Hampton
Fifth Century Partners
Peter A. Kadens
Kadens Family Foundation
J. Michael Locke
Rasmussen, Inc.
Nivine Megahed
National Louis University
Oliver R. Merrill
Schiff Hardin LLP
Louise L. Perrin
Celena T. Roldán
American Red Cross of Illinois
Ian G. Ross
Concentric Equity Partners
Andrea Sáenz
Chicago Community Trust
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Sexual orientation
Disability
No data
Equity strategies
Last updated: 11/21/2022GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more
- We review compensation data across the organization (and by staff levels) to identify disparities by race.
- We ask team members to identify racial disparities in their programs and / or portfolios.
- We analyze disaggregated data and root causes of race disparities that impact the organization's programs, portfolios, and the populations served.
- We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support.
- We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders.
- We disaggregate data by demographics, including race, in every policy and program measured.
- We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.
- We use a vetting process to identify vendors and partners that share our commitment to race equity.
- We have a promotion process that anticipates and mitigates implicit and explicit biases about people of color serving in leadership positions.
- We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
- We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.
- We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.
- We measure and then disaggregate job satisfaction and retention data by race, function, level, and/or team.
- We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.