National Louis University

Founded in 1886

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

In 2023, National Louis University was ranked as the No. 30 Best National University, and No. 1 Best Bang for Your Buck (Midwest) by Washington Monthly.

Admission Requirements

To Apply

Once a client of yours is ready to begin the application process, submit the agent lead at www.howellmgmt.com/agentlead and we'll take it from there. A personalized application form will be sent to the student. They will fill out the application form, upload supporting documents, and submit it for final review. There is no application fee.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is 2 weeks before the program start date if you are already in the US with a valid visa. Otherwise, the application deadline is 2 months before the program start date. The university reserves the right to stop accepting applications at any time should classes reach capacity.

Application Packet

Students will upload the following documents with their application form

Application Form

Students Receive a link to a personalized application form once the agent lead is submitted.

Goal Statement

Upload a maximum 2-page goal statement with a self-appraisal of qualifications for the program.

Professional Resume

Upload a professional resume showing your work experience.

***At least 3 years of full-time managerial or professional experience is required for the DBA program.

Degree Certificates and Transcripts

Upload all university transcripts even if a degree was not earned. Transcripts from a US university where a degree was earned must show the degree conferral or graduation date. For MS Business Data Analytics admission, a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. For DBA admission, a Master's degree in business or a business-related discipline with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. If the qualifying degree was earned outside of the US, submit a foreign transcript evaluation from a NACES member organization listed HERE.
Receive a DISCOUNT and your evaluation in 3 DAYS through IEE's custom application for HMS Partner University applicants. START EVALUATION.

Two Current Letters of Recommendation

Upload two current letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic sources. Letters from family members will not be accepted. Letters must be dated and signed.

Proof of English Proficiency

Upload official test results. TOEFL score of 80 IBT; IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no band scores below 6.0; Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 54; Duolingo English Test (DET) score of 105. Proof of English proficiency is not required if you have studied or worked in the USA.

Passport

Individuals already in the USA must also include copies of their visa, most recent I-20, and I-94.

Bank Statement

Bank statement showing $32,000 USD (MS BDA & MSOL) or $24,000 USD (DBA) in financial support. Alternate documents include loans or sponsor bank statements with a signed/dated sponsorship letter. Additional amounts will need to be shown for dependents (spouse $5,000; child $3000).

University and Program Details

Upcoming Start Dates

MS Business Data Analytics

2026

Winter - January 19 (Chicago and Tampa)
On-campus class Jan. 16-18 (Tampa)
On-campus class Jan. 23-25 (Chicago)
Spring - April 13 (Chicago and Tampa)
• On-campus class Apr. 10-12 (Tampa)
• On-campus class Apr. 17-19 (Chicago)
Summer - July 6 (Chicago and Tampa)
• On-campus class Jul. 10-12 (Tampa)
• On-campus class Jul. 17-19 (Chicago)

MS Organizational Leadership

2026

Winter - January 19 (Tampa)
On-campus class Feb. 28-Mar. 1
Spring - April 13 (Tampa)
On-campus class May 23-24
Summer - July 6 (Tampa)
On-campus class Aug.15-16
Fall - September 21 (Tampa)
On-campus class Oct. 31-Nov. 1

DBA

2026

Winter - January 12 (Tampa)
On-campus class January 9-11
Summer - May 4 (Tampa)
On-campus class May 1-3
Fall - August 24 (Tampa)
On-campus class August 21-23

Campus Locations

Tampa, FL
Chicago, IL

Semester Cost

MS Quarter cost: $4740 (5 total quarters). The tuition is the same every quarter and must be paid in full by the start of each quarter. The total program cost is $23,700.00.

DBA Semester cost: $4992. (10 semesters + dissertation). The semester tuition is the same every semester and must be paid in full by the start of each semester. The total program cost is $49,920.00 (international student rate).

Program Format

Hybrid format. Attend on-campus sessions one weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) at the beginning of each semester/quarter. The rest of the time you will participate in classes online via the university's learning management system.

Curricular Practical Training

CPT is an integral part of the MS & DBA programs and participation is required. CPT is authorized from day 1 for the duration of the program with no gaps or breaks.

Program Duration

The MS Business Data Analytics program is a 15-month, 5-quarter, 30-credit, STEM-designated, full-time hybrid program. Each quarter you will take two 3-credit courses (one course is fully online and the other includes a face-to-face, on-campus weekend session once per quarter. You will take one class at a time)—total 30 credits; 6 credits per quarter; 4 quarters per year.

The MS Organizational Leadership program is a 15-month, 5-quarter, 30-credit, full-time hybrid program. Each quarter you will take two 3-credit courses (one course is fully online and the other includes a face-to-face, on-campus weekend session once per quarter. You will take one class at a time)—total 30 credits; 6 credits per quarter; 4 quarters per year.

The DBA program is a 60-semester-hour program with research and capstone coursework. It is a full-time hybrid program. Each semester you will take two 3-credit courses (one course is fully online and the other includes a face-to-face, on-campus weekend session component. You will take one course at a time—a total of 60 credits + dissertation; 6 credits per semester; 3 semesters per year.

Accreditation

National Louis University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is a participant in the HLC's Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP). Learn about the university's accreditation here.

Web Links

DBA PROGRAM SHEET

VISIT THE DBA WEBSITE

MSBDA PROGRAM SHEET

ACCREDITATION

CPT EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION FORM

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