FINAL GLANCE

THREADING THE NEEDLE:

How NLU’s Pathways Program Evolved into a New Kind of Undergraduate College

Pathways started in 2015 after NLU President Nivine Megahed reviewed national data on college completion rates for low-income and minority students. It showed thousands of students weren’t enrolled in college or completing it. Pathways began as a program to provide opportunity to these students, empowering them to pursue their education affordably and with the resources they need to succeed.

The Pathways Program is launched for the 2015-2016 school year, enrolling 85 students and inaugurating a new approach to undergraduate education focused on expanding access for qualified students from underserved communities. The Pathways Program is launched for the 2015-2016 school year, enrolling 85 students and inaugurating a new approach to undergraduate education focused on expanding access for qualified students from underserved communities. Pathways program quadruples enrollment numbers for its second academic year. Pathways program quadruples enrollment numbers for its second academic year.

20142014 20162016

20152015 20162016

The Harrison Professional The Harrison Professional Pathways program is conceivedPathways program is conceived in response to a University of in response to a University of Chicago report that a mere 14% Chicago report that a mere 14% of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) freshmen go on to receive their freshmen go on to receive their bachelor’s degrees.bachelor’s degrees. Based on GPA, 60% of Based on GPA, 60% of first-year Pathways students first-year Pathways students were on-track to graduate, were on-track to graduate, compared to 20% at the compared to 20% at the beginning of the academic beginning of the academic year, showing transformative year, showing transformative growth in the meantime.growth in the meantime.

“I really enjoy how supportive everyone around me is starting with my peers, professors, and coaches. I feel comfortable with everyone around me and I strongly believe that I belong here.”

-NLU student testimonial

Pathways Program officially becomes the Undergraduate College at NLU

A jury of higher education leaders and advisors selects NLU as a winner of the 2018 “Eduventures Innovation Award.”

2017 2018

While enrollment from historically underserved communities continues to grow, NLU’s pioneering model for quality, accessible higher education increasingly attracts national attention from education thought-leaders, the business press, and the U.S. government.

2021

Enrollment increases nearly ten-fold from the program’s first to its third year, from 85 to 814 students.

2018

College Factual rates NLU in the top 5% of schools in the nation for serving non-traditional students.

2020

Emerging from the challenges of the pandemic, the Undergraduate College continues to grow by offering opportunity to aspiring, determined students who won’t let COVID-19 get in the way of their education and career goals.

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2022 Class Gift Fund

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