Culinary arts & hospitality
World-class education that fits your life
National Louis University is where your passion becomes a career. Home to Kendall College, one of the country’s top culinary and hospitality schools, NLU offers flexible, affordable degrees in the heart of Chicago, one of the world’s great restaurant and hotel cities.
We Believe in Your Best
Learn with us and discover who you can be with a Culinary Arts & Hospitality education from National Louis University.
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Why Study with Us?
Progress at Your Pace. NLU makes it easy to embark on a rewarding career and we provide the support to make sure that the next step in your journey is always within reach.
No. 1
in Chicago for preparing students for careers in Culinary Arts & Hospitality
Top 20
in the world on CEOWORLD’s “Top 50 Hospitality & Hotel Management Schools 2020”
93%
of graduates report employment in their field of study within six months
700K+
restaurants in Chicago
Alumni Stories
“Kendall College at NLU changed my mindset, enhanced my knowledge and helped me build the confidence to open my own business.”
Rebeca Narro perez
- A.A.S., Culinary Arts
- Now operates her own business
Alumni Stories
“I’ve always been passionate about baking and decorating desserts, and I wanted a place where I could turn my creative talents into a professional skill set.”
Niyah-li webb
- A.A.S., in Baking and Pastry
Alumni Stories
“I chose NLU for its strong reputation in hospitality management and its proximity to key industry hubs.”
Shiva Basnet
- B.A. in Hospitality Management
Programs focused on what matters: your career
Always accessible
We’re committed to helping every student get the financial aid they require. Through Kendall College’s affiliation with NLU, a world-class education in Culinary Arts & Hospitality has never been more attainable.
hands-on focus
Whether your goal is to become a chef, a baker, a hotel manager or a tourism professional, our curriculum ensures that you finish your program with real-world experience in your field.
ideal location
Located in the Loop and just moments from Chicago’s incredible variety of restaurants and hotels, NLU is your gateway to career-sparking experiences and professional connections.
your time and money well spent
Getting a degree while working to support yourself and your family is no easy task. We structure our programs to best balance your costs and manage your time.
Grounded in Community
We build partnerships with mental health organizations and facilities to provide hands-on fieldwork, guided and supervised by experienced practitioners.
Scaled for Success
We maintain small class sizes with flexible course scheduling that suits your life situation. Our advisors give personalized support to every student to help you stay on track.
Widening the Path
NLU careers are as diverse as the students who learn with us. Clinicians, researchers, educators, administrators and community leaders of all kinds advance their careers with us.
Your Time and Money Well Spent
Getting a degree while working to support yourself and your family is no easy task. We structure our programs to best balance your costs and manage your time across coursework, research, writing, licensing and exams.
How it works
Your path to enrollment, simplified
Applying takes less time than you might think. We’ve streamlined the process to put you in charge of your education.
1
Connect with NLU
Fill out a short form and tell us about yourself, your goals and the level of study you’re interested in.
2
Talk with an Enrollment Specialist
One of our advisors will reach out to answer your questions and map out a personalized plan for your education.
3
Experience NLU Up Close
Visit or tour virtually. Get a feel for what makes studying Culinary Arts & Hospitality.
4
Submit Your Free Application
No application fee. No barriers. Just your next step toward a career that helps people and builds stronger communities.
Other Areas Of Study
Bachelor's Degree Programs
Practice your craft in a real-world setting under the guidance of expert faculty and industry mentors.
View Programs
- B.A. in Hospitality Management
- B.A. in Culinary Management
associate degree programs
Get valuable, hands-on experience in your field in two years or less, all while learning from seasoned experts.
View Programs
- A.A.S. in Culinary Arts
- A.A.S. in Baking and Pastry
Certificate programs
Gain the foundational skills you need to start a restaurant or bakery career—skills you can apply immediately.
View Programs
- Professional Cookery
- Baking and Pastry
business & technology
Earn your Bachelor or Master’s degree or get certified in a number of tech specialties.
Education
Take your teaching career to the next level with our Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral programs.
Healthcare
Become a medical assistant, nurse or further your studies in leadership and public health.
Psychology & Behavioral Sciences
For those who put people first, through study of psychology, counseling and behavioral sciences.