Who We Are-the Local Campus

The Chicago Campus of National-Louis University was established in 1886 by Elizabeth Harrison as Miss Harrison’s Kindergarten Training School. In 1930, it became National College of Education and was relocated to Evanston, Illinois.

In the mid-1970s, the University reestablished its presence in the Chicago Loop area at 18 S. Michigan Avenue.

On September 1, 1999, NLU relocated its Chicago campus from 18 S. Michigan to its new home at 122 S. Michigan. The university occupies the completely renovated second through seventh floors of this landmark building.

With over 70,000 additional square feet larger than our former space, the new site includes six computer classrooms, two interactive video rooms for distance learning and four language labs. All faculty and department heads have private offices; the number of classrooms increases to 52, a 40 percent increase. Another highlight of the renovated facility is a technically-advanced training center comprised of an auditorium that seats 150 and several adjoining conference rooms for break-out sessions.

When asked about the move, President McCray commented that it complements Mayor Daley's plans for south Loop development. "Our expansion to the 122 S. Michigan building raises NLU's profile and positions us to play a continuing role in Mayor Daley's vision for an 'educational corridor' in the south Loop," said McCray. The campus location in the heart of Chicago's active downtown area creates an ideal setting for programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, National College of Education, and the College of Management and Business, the latter of which is based at the Chicago campus, offer a total of 17 undergraduate and 35 graduate programs at the Chicago Campus. Situated one block across the street from the Art Institute of Chicago, and Grant Park, the campus also is within walking distance from Chicago's many cultural activities.

In addition, the University’s nationally recognized Language Institute, serving students for whom English is a second language, is at the Chicago Campus. Continuing Education courses in various areas of student interest are offered as well.

The location and facilities of the campus make it an ideal setting for offering daytime, evening and weekend degree programs to working adults in the metropolitan area.

Who Our Students Are

During the 2002-03 academic year, 5177 students attended the Chicago Campus-2287 undergraduate and 2890 graduate students. Women (4078) accounted for 79% of the students; men (1099) accounted for 21%. NLU students reflect the ethnic diversity of the area.

A total of 389 faculty-57 full-time and 332 adjunct- support the academic programs and the student body at the Chicago Campus. The average class size is 15.

The University employs 115 administrative staff personnel in support of the students, faculty, and academic programming at the Chicago Campus.

The Chicago Campus occupies 89,000 sq. ft. in a historic landmark office building and houses administrative offices and 49 teaching stations-including 30 classrooms, 7 special purpose rooms, 2 conference rooms, 5 computer labs, including developmental skills labs, 3 language institute labs, and 2 interactive video classrooms. Computer access to the NLU library system is available on campus or Internet.