Degrees and Diplomas

National Louis University awards degrees at the end of each academic term, with transcripts and diplomas reflecting one specific date per quarter. In order to be awarded a degree, you must submit the Graduation Application by the appropriate deadline (see below). Note: If you do not complete your degree requirements by the date for which you have applied, you may submit another Graduation Application to change the degree date.

Graduation Application

If you are a student preparing to complete your degree, please submit the Graduation Application. When you are prompted for a login, please enter your portal username and password. Below are the deadlines

Graduation Application Deadlines

*To be eligible for participation in the Spring commencement ceremony, please ensure your graduation application is submitted no later than April 15.

Late Degree Conferral Dates

Some students' final courses in their degree requirements have an end date after the standard conferral date. In these cases, degrees may be awarded on the following alternate dates:

1. Late Spring 2026: July 10
2. Late Summer 2026: September 25

Students should still apply for:

1. Spring 2026  (June 30^th) even if receiving the July 10 conferral
2. Summer 2026  (September 15^th) even if receiving the September 25 conferral

Important Degree Information

Degrees will be posted two-to-three weeks after the degree award date.

Please check your unofficial transcript in the Student Services tab of the NLU Student Portal to verify that your degree is awarded before you order official transcripts.

Diploma Questions

Diplomas will be mailed approximately eight weeks after the degree date.

Diplomas will not be issued unless all financial obligations have been met. If you had a financial hold on your account and have resolved it, please email: records@nl.edu so your diploma can be released to you.

Your diploma will be sent to the permanent address you provided to NLU upon enrollment. If you have moved since that time, please update your address through our change of personal information form.

Completion Statement

If you are a student who has already submitted the Graduation Application, but need official proof of degree completion before the degree date, request a completion statement.

Questions on Degree or Diploma? Email:  records@nl.edu

Learn more about commencement. You may register for a regional commencement ceremony as part of the online Graduation Application process, and may only participate in commencement ceremonies if you are completing your degree.

Alumni Diploma Reorder

If you have previously received a degree from NLU but need a replacement diploma, submit: Diploma Reorder Form

Diploma Cover Request

If you have not participated in the commencement ceremony and would like to receive your diploma cover, please submit Diploma Cover Request Form