
1020 Walnut Street, Chicago, IL 19107, USA


National Louis University sponsors a selection of intercollegiate athletic programs, providing students with opportunities to compete in various sports. The university's teams participate primarily at the NAIA level, representing the institution in conference competitions. Student-athletes can engage in sports such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer, among others, fostering both physical development and team collaboration.
In addition to traditional varsity athletics, the university offers recreational sports and intramural activities designed to encourage broader student participation and promote wellness. These options allow students who may not compete at the varsity level to still benefit from organized physical activity and social interaction within the campus community.
Facilities supporting athletics include gymnasiums, practice courts, and training spaces suitable for both competitive and recreational use. These resources aim to enhance the athletic experience and accommodate the needs of student-athletes as well as the general student body interested in fitness and sports.
National Louis University offers a variety of student groups that cater to diverse interests and support networks. Among these are the Black Student Union, which serves as a platform for cultural engagement and community building. The Exuberance group provides students with opportunities to express energy and creativity in a collaborative environment. Participants interested in promoting health and well-being can join the Student Wellness Ambassador Team, a collective focused on fostering a healthy campus culture. For those pursuing careers in education, Educators Rising connects aspiring educators to resources and peer support. Additionally, Built by Womxn offers a space dedicated to empowering women and addressing gender-related topics within the university community.
National Louis University enrolls a diverse student population with a balanced mix of new and transfer students. The university welcomes around 790 freshmen annually, a figure considered average and placing it in the lower 45th percentile among comparable institutions. Transfer students number about 694, representing a stronger presence that ranks in the top 40% nationwide. Altogether, the student body totals nearly 1,500 individuals, falling into the median range among peer universities.
The age distribution at National Louis University reveals an inclusive environment accommodating a broad range of life stages, especially among graduate students. Undergraduate students primarily fall between 18 and 24 years old, with 754 ages 18-19 and 866 ages 20-21, though there is a meaningful portion aged 25 to 64, illustrating the university's appeal to adult learners. Graduate students tend to be older, with significant cohorts aged 22 to 49 and beyond, reflecting the institution's focus on serving those pursuing advanced degrees later in their careers.
The ethnic composition also highlights diversity with a majority of Hispanic students numbering 2,101, situating National Louis University in the top 35% for Hispanic representation compared to similar schools. African American students constitute a substantial group as well, with 879 enrolled, ranking in the upper 40%. Meanwhile, students identifying as White, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and of two or more races contribute to the university's multicultural makeup, although these groups tend to fall closer to or below median representation levels.
Geographically, most students are domestic, with 92% coming from within the United States, a proportion placing the university in the top 40% nationally for this demographic. The institution also attracts a notable share of international scholars, about 8%, ranked in the top quarter for foreign student enrollment, indicating a global outlook. Out-of-state students represent a smaller segment, at 19%, which is relatively low compared to other universities.
National Louis University offers a student life environment with a range of cultural and support services. The campus hosts a newspaper and drama activities, providing outlets for creative expression. However, opportunities such as campus radio, band, chorus, and television are not available. Students can access psychological counseling services and a veterans affair office, though there is no health clinic or legal services on campus. The campus does not have a dedicated women's center.
National Louis University provides students access to its primary campus library, the NLU Library. While the university maintains only one library, it offers a variety of physical and digital resources to support academic needs. The collection includes approximately 75,512 books, which places it in the lower range compared to other institutions.
The library subscribes to 1,161 periodicals and holds 44,6292 ebooks, reflecting a moderate digital collection size. Additionally, students benefit from access to 78 databases, which is about average among peer institutions. The number of digital subscriptions totals 47,482, providing further resource options for research and study.
Facilities are staffed by trained personnel and include established operating hours, ensuring that students receive support when utilizing these resources. The university also offers access to shared collections, enhancing the breadth of materials available for academic work. Both physical and electronic access to library materials is available, supporting diverse study preferences and needs.
Total enrollment
8273Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
718Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
198 full time, 459 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
NLU LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
No24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes