National Louis University

I was disappointed in the help I got when entering the university. I was pushed into a cohort that didn't start for 8 months, believing this was the way I HAD to go when, in fact, I could have started taking classes immediately and finished sooner. Cohorts are much better means of a University guaranteeing enrollment numbers ($) but are not always the right choice for the student - though they do offer benefits to the student, including priority registration. I

I've also been disappointed with my interactions with a few department chairs when I had an "issue." Their response didn't feel at all "student centered." It felt like they had my money, my degree was nearly completed and I was the only one with anything to loose and so it was their way or the high way. I shut my mouth and did as told, and it felt awful. Nearly all of my professors, however, have been enjoyable.

They also don't have much by means of "walk-in" services. I'm sure this saves them money, but for the cost of an NLU education, the services should be more readily available. Ie, you can't just walk in to advising. You also can't walk into your campus library and get the books you need (usually). You have to go to a desk and have them ordered. Very inconvenient - especially when you can not understand the person who is (not seemingly) trying to help you.

NLU does have a very good database of articles, unfortunately nobody ever teaches you how to use this online library. Fortunately I had a friend who had gone to NLU who told me about it and how to use it after I had told her I was having a hard time finding enough resources for a paper.At NLU you are paying for campus convenience and for some, a fast track degree. Had NIU, Northeastern, UIC, etc. been closer I would have gone there, but for the parents out there, or full-time workers, this is a decent alternative if you don't mind going into serious debt.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2012

Scholastic Success: A+, Extracurricular Activities: F

I graduated from the MBA program, going part-time at a remote campus. The program itself wasn't bad, and many of the faculty were good, but there were a number of lazy students in the program and they brought the grading curve down. I think they should have more rigorous standards.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2003

Faculty Accessibility: A, Collaboration/Competitive: F

2nd Year Female -- Class 1988

Faculty Accessibility: A, Individual Value: B+