National Louis University CPT | The Immigration Compass

University Overview

National Louis University (NLU) is a private, non-profit university known for its career-focused graduate programs. With campuses in Chicago and Tampa, NLU offers international students a dynamic environment to pursue advanced degrees in business and data analytics while gaining valuable U.S. work experience. The university is deeply committed to providing accessible, high-quality education that directly aligns with industry demands.

Integral CPT Policy

Authorized from Semester 1*: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an integral component of the Master's and Doctoral programs at National Louis University. Students are authorized for CPT from their first semester of enrollment, allowing them to apply their academic learning to real-world professional roles immediately.*

Continuous Authorization: Students maintain continuous CPT authorization for the entire duration of their master's or doctoral program. The academic calendar is structured to ensure there are no gaps or breaks in CPT authorization during the academic year.

Regulatory Compliance: The university's Designated School Officials (DSO) manage the SEVIS process strictly in accordance with federal regulations. CPT is officially authorized under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i).

For more information on CPT rules, you can review the official guidelines on the Department of Homeland Security's Study in the States website.

Programs Available

MS Business Data Analytics Chicago, IL | Tampa, FL

Master's STEM

MS Organizational Leadership Tampa, FL

Master's Business

Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) Tampa, FL

Doctorate DBA

Program Format

Executive Format

Programs at National Louis University are delivered in a hybrid executive format. Students typically attend mandatory on-campus sessions over one weekend per semester, with the remaining coursework completed online through the university's interactive learning platform.

Online Learning

The remainder of your coursework is delivered entirely online via Blackboard, offering the flexibility needed to work concurrently while fulfilling your academic requirements.

Tuition

Program	Cost	Billed
Master's Programs
MS Business Data Analytics	$4,836	Per Quarter
MS Organizational Leadership	$4,836	Per Quarter
Doctoral Programs
Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)	$5,094	Per Semester

MS programs are billed per quarter. DBA is billed per semester.

Frequently Asked Questions

Missing your CPT renewal deadline will result in a gap in your work authorization. You must immediately stop working on the date your current CPT expires and cannot resume until the DSO processes your renewal. Working without active CPT is a violation of your F-1 status.

Yes. As long as you physically travel to the designated National Louis University campus to attend your mandatory Executive Weekend sessions, you are permitted to live and work in another state during the online portion of your studies.

Graduate students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Falling below this threshold may place you on academic probation and jeopardize your CPT authorization and F-1 status.

Yes, you can change employers. However, you must submit a new CPT request to the DSO with your new employer's information before you begin working. CPT must be authorized by your DSO in SEVIS before you start work with the new employer.

Integral CPT allows for full-time work authorization (more than 20 hours per week). Keep in mind that utilizing full-time CPT for 12 months or more will eliminate your eligibility for post-completion OPT.

Upcoming Intakes

Term	App. Deadline	Start Date	CPT Authorized From*
MS - Winter 2027	January 4, 2027	January 18, 2027	Semester 1*
DBA - Spring 2027	January 4, 2027	January 18, 2027	Semester 1*
MS - Spring 2027	March 29, 2027	April 12, 2027	Semester 1*
DBA - Summer 2027	April 26, 2027	May 10, 2027	Semester 1*
MS - Summer 2027	June 21, 2027	July 5, 2027	Semester 1*

Application deadlines shown are estimated at 14 days before each start date for students currently in the US on F-1 status transferring to a new institution. Start dates are subject to change. Contact us to confirm your specific intake.

Admission Requirements

GPA Requirement: Bachelor's degree with a satisfactory GPA (typically 3.0+ preferred).
English Proficiency: Valid IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo score for non-native speakers. Waiver available for US degree holders.
GRE/GMAT: Not required.
Required Documents: Valid Passport, Highest Degree Transcripts, Updated Resume, Proof of Funds (Bank Statement).

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National Louis University