A Career Sparking Degree Made Debt Free
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We advocated for accessible, high-quality higher education before it was cool.
The NLU Forward Scholarship is the ultimate expression of that legacy.
If your family makes less than $75,000 a year, you may qualify for $0 tuition*.
Apply today, and remove the financial barriers to your future--steps & Eligibility Requirements
- Apply to NLU
- Family income is $75,000 or lower
- Must be an Illinois resident
- Must submit FAFSA by April 24, 2026
- Check grant status
- Must be enrolling as an undergraduate first-time freshman
- Focus on learning, and not paying for it
"My decision to apply was fueled by a founding principle at NLU that quality education can transform lives, careers and communities."
— Anna-Mariya Skakodub, Class of 2023, $0 in student debt
* This scholarship will cover any gap after MAP/Pell. Housing and Upass are not included. Our Accelerate U, Culinary, Baking and Pastry, and Nursing programs are also not included. Other eligibility criteria may apply. To learn more, please speak with an enrollment representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
National Louis University,
1000 Capitol
Drive,
Wheeling, IL 60090
Check your email regularly for application updates from your Enrollment Specialist.
The MS in Counseling prepares you to work as a counselor in a variety of settings, including schools, private practices and mental health clinics. Completion of the MS in Counseling program fulfills the educational requirements to be eligible to sit for the National Board for Certified Counselors examination to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and later, LCPC licensure exam.
The Florida School of Professional Psychology (FSPP) offers the Psy.D. program at our Florida Campus.
- Teacher Preparation Programs: For students who are not licensed teachers, these Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) programs prepare students to begin their teaching careers and earn their Professional Educator’s License (PEL).
- Advanced Professional Programs: For licensed teachers looking to earn graduate-level specializations, endorsements, or certificates to advance in their careers as professional educators.
- Educational Leadership Programs: For candidates looking to assume leadership roles at their schools, districts or universities. These programs prepare candidates for roles as teacher leaders, administrators, principals, superintendents and more.
In addition to these degree programs, NCE also offers in-demand endorsements, approvals and certificates educators can use to expand their skills and advance in their careers.
NCE has been preparing exceptional teachers for over 130 years, ever since our founder, Elizabeth Harrison, pioneered the Kindergarten movement in the 1880s.
With a focus on diversity, community impact, and field- and practice-based curriculum, the College prepares teachers using hands-on learning and regular feedback from mentors and coaches.
In addition, more than 80 NCE graduates have gone on to win the prestigious Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching Award, more than any other institution in Illinois.
In the past year:
- NCE has conferred 861 degrees and served 3,486 students
- 82% of MAT graduates work in Illinois public schools
- 71% of MAT graduates serve in high-need schools
- 131 alumni are principals in Chicago Public Schools
Many of NCE’s programs are offered completely online, and some are offered in a blended format that combines online coursework with on-campus meetings and in-person field experiences.
Our Advanced Professional programs and Educational Leadership programs, especially, are designed to fit the schedules of working teachers and education professionals.
Check your desired program’s page or contact an Enrollment Specialist to learn about online options and available modalities.
Your Next Step is Within Reach.
With over 135 years of excellence and 70,000 alumni, we provide an extraordinary education that’s within your reach.
