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Earn Credits, Start Working, Build Your Degree

Accelerate U at National Louis University offers affordable, rapid training experiences that come with college credit, industry credentials and a path to a full-time job immediately. It's "job-first" higher education.

Our first-of-its-kind program offers learners a rapid pathway to a full-time job. We partner with innovative local employers to build affordable academic and training pathways that lead to an industry-recognized credential in four to eight months; focus on both technical and professional (“durable”) skill development; include coaching, wraparound supports, and career counseling; and allow participants to earn up to 30 college credits that can build to a bachelor’s degree.

High-Quality Training Tied to a Job

Our affordable and flexible online learning experiences are aligned to specific, vacant jobs our employer partners want to fill. The training - a mix of technical and “durable” skill development - prepares learners for a new job in four to eight months and includes a field-based externship. Our expert instructors and coaches are dedicated to your success. Whether you're just graduating from high school or looking to take a new direction in your career, Accelerate U's rapid and affordable pathways are your bridge to a great job.

Affordable, Flexible Higher Education

Accelerate U training is designed to be affordable. Learners who are eligible for full Pell (federal financial aid) & MAP (Illinois financial aid) will pay $0 out of pocket. Our financial aid team is ready to help make Accelerate U work for you. Each training pathway comes with up to 30 college credits that will apply in full towards a National Louis University degree. Accelerate U learners can "stack" their credits while expanding their skills, building their professional network, and earning money in a full-time job.

A Talent Pipeline for Employers

Accelerate U partners with employers to design learning pathways tailored to their specific hiring needs. Employers provide hands-on externship experiences and work with Accelerate U to align hiring timelines so learners can transition right in to full-time work. Our goal is to ensure that 80% of learners complete the program and earn a credential and 75% of program completers are placed in a job within three months of finishing the program. Together, Accelerate U and employers are creating new, better pathways to meaningful work.

Certificate Programs

Accelerate U plans to build a variety of training experiences and credential pathways based on employer partner needs. The first pathway, a Medical Assistant Certification, is an 8-month program built in partnership with local hospitals and healthcare systems.

Areas of Study

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.