Direct to Success (D2S)
A career-focused, affordable and supportive bachelor’s degree pathway for community college transfer students.
For qualifying students, our Direct to Success (D2S) transfer program allows community college graduates from partner schools to easily transfer to National Louis University, earn their bachelor's degrees and jumpstart their careers, all while enjoying exclusive privileges and supports.
Direct to Success Executive Brochure
NLU Transfer Toolkit
Direct Benefits. Direct to Success.
Great Value
D2S students enjoy an exclusive scholarship equal to 25% of total tuition. To be eligible, students must have graduated with their associate degree from one of our partner colleges and apply to NLU within one year of graduation. This scholarship makes us the most afforable private university in Chicago for transfer students.
Generous Credit Acceptance
Whether you come in with completed coursework from your associate degree program, applicable professional experience, or even life experience, we'll make sure you get credit toward your bachelor's degree and stay on track to graduate.
Convenient, Predictable Schedule
Take classes full-time or part-time, daytime or evening, in-person or online. We'll help you set a predictable, convenient course sequence that suits your needs and enables you to graduate in two years.
Career Acceleration
NLU is where your professional development accelerates. Our integrated, career-focued development services, dedicated Career Advisor, and job placement support services ensure that you'll hit the ground running after graduation and step into a fulfilling career.
Support to Succeed
Making the transition to a bachelor's degree program can be difficult. We go the extra mile to make sure you adapt seamlessly. You'll enjoy small class sizes, active learning, and personal attention from expert faculty. A carefully structured, co-curricular third-year experience ensures your smooth transition to NLU, and our Transfer Student Success Center provides academic and wraparound support with daytime, evening and virtual hours.
Inclusive Community
Our community is dedicated to social belonging, racial equity, and empowering student voices through engagement. Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds, creating a diverse community that makes NLU a one-of-a-kind destination for transfer students.
Cost
Time is money, and NLU will save students both.
| NORMAL TUITION | Per Quarter Hour Rate | $430/QH |
|---|---|---|
| TUITION WITH D2S SCHOLARSHIP | Direct to Success (D2S) Scholarship | 25% Reduction Off Per Quarter Hour Rate |
| After D2S Scholarship/Full-Time (15 QH) | $4,845/term | |
| After D2S Scholarship/Part-time | $323/credit hour** | |
| TUITION WITH FINANCIAL AID AND D2S SCHOLARSHIP | $14,535/annual tuition (45 QH) $6,345 possible Pell grant maximum $5,430 possible MAP grant maximum |
$2,760 annual net tuition*** |
**To achieve full benefit of the scholarship, part-time students must complete within three years.
***Based on FAFSA eligibility.
Degrees Designed for Doing
We ensure that students hard-earned credits work toward their degree. Our customizable, career-focused undegraduate programs include:
- BA Applied Behavioral Sciences
- BA Communications and Media
- BA Criminal Justice
- BA Human Services
- BA Psychology
- BSW Social Work
- BA Infant-Toddler Studies
- BA Early Childhood Education
- BA Elementary Education
- BA Applied Educational Studies
- BS Business Administration
- BS Computer Science & Information Systems
- BS Health Care Leadership
- BA Culinary Management
- BA Hospitality Management
How to Apply
If you’re ready to transfer to an undergraduate program where you’ll earn more credits, save more time and money, and do more to accelerate your career, you’re in the right place. Our only admission requirement is a 2.0 GPA. View and complete an application below, and take the next step in bringing your career to life.
1) Your current college must be one of our community college partners to qualify for Direct to Success.
2) Apply online. It's free!
3) You'll be contacted by a dedicated Enrollment Specialist, who will help you complete the application process and enroll in the Direct to Success program.
