North Central College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About North Central College
Set beside Naperville's Riverwalk, North Central College blends a classic quad feel with a lively downtown at the doorstep. The college is known for strengths across the arts and sciences, business, communication, and health related fields, with an emphasis on close faculty mentorship. Students find updated science spaces, studios and performance halls, a well used library, a big-tent student center, and a wellness complex that anchors recreation. Support runs deep through advising, tutoring, counseling, and career services that do not vanish after sophomore year.
Campus culture skews friendly, purposeful, and a little spirited, the kind where you actually know people across majors. Clubs, service projects, music and theater, intramurals, and competitive athletics keep weeknights busy. Career prep leans practical, with internships across the western suburbs and an easy train ride to Chicago for media, finance, tech, and nonprofit opportunities. The setting is a sweet spot too, with cafés, shops, and community events steps away, plus Cardinal traditions that make the place feel like home fast.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
North Central College offers 69 degree programs across 22 major academic fields, graduating approximately 766 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (11 programs, 186 graduates), Education (6 programs, 83 graduates), Health (4 programs, 80 graduates), Psychology (1 programs, 71 graduates) and Arts (6 programs, 51 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (11 programs, 186 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Management | 39 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1401 |
| Finance, General | 38 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0801 |
| Accounting | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
| Business Administration and Management | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0299 |
| Business Administration and Management | 20 |
|
Master's
|
52.0201 |
| Human Resources Management | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.1001 |
| International Business and Trade | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.1101 |
| Organizational Leadership | 6 |
|
Master's
|
52.0213 |
| Entrepreneurship Studies | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0701 |
| Actuarial Science | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1304 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0799 |
Education (6 programs, 83 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | 29 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 22 |
|
Master's
|
13.0401 |
| Secondary Education and Teaching | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1205 |
| Music Teacher Education | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1312 |
| Higher Education Administration | 6 |
|
Master's
|
13.0406 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | 1 |
|
Master's
|
13.0301 |
Health (4 programs, 80 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy | 42 |
|
Master's
|
51.2306 |
| Physician Assistant | 31 |
|
Master's
|
51.0912 |
| Athletic Training | 6 |
|
Master's
|
51.0913 |
| Medical Radiologic Technology | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0907 |
Psychology (1 programs, 71 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 71 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Arts (6 programs, 51 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musical Theatre | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0509 |
| Graphic Design | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0409 |
| Theatre Arts | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0501 |
| Music | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Theatre Design and Technology | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0502 |
| Studio Arts, General | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0702 |
Kinesiology (2 programs, 50 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport and Fitness Management | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
31.0504 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0505 |
Social Sciences (5 programs, 47 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0101 |
| Sociology | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Economics | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0601 |
| Anthropology | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0201 |
| Criminology | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0401 |
Biological Sciences (3 programs, 44 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 26 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Neuroscience | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.1501 |
| Biochemistry | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
Communication (4 programs, 28 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journalism | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0401 |
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0101 |
| Digital Media and Multimedia | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0702 |
| Organizational Communication | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0901 |
Engineering (3 programs, 28 graduates)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.1901 |
| Computer Engineering | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.0901 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.1001 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at North Central College.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about North Central College
How much does it cost to attend North Central College?
The annual tuition at North Central College is $44,394 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $59,962 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $12,434 (on) / $10,208 (off) and books and supplies $1,200.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does North Central College offer?
North Central College offers 69 academic programs across 22 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Doctorate (Professional).
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (11 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (6 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (4 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (6 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for North Central College?
North Central College has an 58.3% acceptance rate and a 16.9% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 5,241
- Students admitted: 3,056
- Students enrolled: 516
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at North Central College?
North Central College provides financial aid to 20% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $30,619 and average loans of $7,648.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,131
- State/Local grants: $6,868
- Institutional grants: $27,662
- Federal loans: $5,315
The university supports 481 students with grants and 281 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for North Central College graduates?
North Central College graduates earn a median salary of $51,762 after 6 years and $60,123 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $41,286 (25th percentile) to $83,972 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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