Founded by Jesse Grant Chapline in 1908, LaSalle Extension University was based in Chicago, Illinois and was an early developer of correspondence courses. Inspired by a home study course from the University of Chicago, Chapline set up the distance learning university near the University of Chicago, trying to indirectly tie LaSalle to the esteemed university through proximity and ad placement.

LaSalle focused on business and other vocational training but also offered law degrees during its operation. Throughout the early 20th century, LaSalle offered opportunities for many women and minorities to receive a degree, including Gertrude Rush, the first African American female lawyer in Iowa; Jessie M. Rattley, the first woman and African American mayor in Newport News, Virginia; and Arthur Fletcher, a government official largely responsible for the Philadelphia Plan. Other notable alumni include Harland Sanders, Harold J. Arthur, Eurith D. Rivers, Craig L. Thomas, John S. Gibson, and William T. Granahan.

LaSalle became known for and saw much of its success through aggressive advertising practices and served as inspiration for future universities, such as the University of Phoenix. During its years of operation, LaSalle was involved in several lawsuits by the Federal Trade Commission. In 1980, the university closed its law school program after litigation involving representation of the law program in advertisements. The school and its resources were absorbed into the Macmillan Publishing Company shortly thereafter.