About North Central College
North Central College builds tight connections between its 2,360 students and faculty in suburban Naperville. The school has earned recognition for strong business programs and maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personal mentoring. Students benefit from the college's proximity to Chicago while enjoying a dedicated campus environment. The Methodist-affiliated institution focuses on liberal arts education with practical career preparation.
The financial picture works better than the sticker price suggests. While tuition hits $44,394, the average student pays just $23,033 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $60,123 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $24,500 manageable with monthly payments around $260. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $13,752 net price, demonstrating the college's commitment to accessibility.
Athletics thrive here with 795 students competing across 27 Division III sports as the Cardinals. The retention rate of 81.7% reflects student satisfaction, though the 67% four-year graduation rate suggests some students need extra time to finish. Nearly 96% of graduates find employment, and three-quarters stay in Illinois after graduation, often leveraging the school's Chicago-area network.
The financial picture works better than the sticker price suggests. While tuition hits $44,394, the average student pays just $23,033 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $60,123 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $24,500 manageable with monthly payments around $260. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $13,752 net price, demonstrating the college's commitment to accessibility.
Athletics thrive here with 795 students competing across 27 Division III sports as the Cardinals. The retention rate of 81.7% reflects student satisfaction, though the 67% four-year graduation rate suggests some students need extra time to finish. Nearly 96% of graduates find employment, and three-quarters stay in Illinois after graduation, often leveraging the school's Chicago-area network.
Academics & Faculty
North Central College operates as a liberal arts institution where students explore broad disciplines while developing critical thinking skills across multiple fields. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an environment where professors know students by name and provide individualized attention. With a 67% four-year graduation rate, most students complete their degrees on schedule with consistent faculty support. The college has built a strong reputation for its business programs, which attract students seeking practical skills in the competitive Chicago market. Liberal arts students benefit from small seminar-style classes that emphasize discussion and collaborative learning. The Methodist heritage influences the college's commitment to service learning and ethical leadership development.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 56.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 67.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 71.1%
- Retention Rate
- 81.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,123
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $71,015 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $63,501 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $62,260 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $58,921 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $56,641 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $46,478 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $45,584 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $45,500 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $45,305 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,240 |
Campus Life
North Central's 2,360 students navigate a 69-acre campus in Naperville, just 30 miles west of downtown Chicago. The small-town setting offers coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance, while the Metra train provides easy access to Chicago's internships and cultural attractions. About 60% of students live on campus in residence halls that house 1,417 students total. You'll need a good winter coat for Illinois winters that can drop below freezing from December through February.
The 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio creates a tight-knit academic community where professors know your name. With 795 students participating in 27 varsity sports, Cardinals athletics are a major part of campus culture, especially during basketball and football seasons. The United Methodist heritage influences the college's service-oriented culture, though students from all backgrounds thrive here. Weekend activities center around Chicago trips, Division III sporting events, and campus programming in the student union. The semester system allows for winter break trips home, important given that 83% of students come from Illinois.
The 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio creates a tight-knit academic community where professors know your name. With 795 students participating in 27 varsity sports, Cardinals athletics are a major part of campus culture, especially during basketball and football seasons. The United Methodist heritage influences the college's service-oriented culture, though students from all backgrounds thrive here. Weekend activities center around Chicago trips, Division III sporting events, and campus programming in the student union. The semester system allows for winter break trips home, important given that 83% of students come from Illinois.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,417 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1861
Campus Safety (2023)
29 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–31°F
- July Avg
- 61°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 24.3"
Student Demographics
North Central draws students who want a close-knit college experience without leaving the Chicago area. With 83% of students from Illinois, the college has built a strong regional reputation that keeps local families coming back generation after generation. The student body reflects the growing diversity of suburban Chicago, with Hispanic enrollment at 17% and solid representation across income levels. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for liberal arts colleges that emphasize education and social sciences alongside business programs. Students value the 12:1 faculty ratio and Methodist heritage of community service.
- Men
- 48.6%
- Women
- 51.4%
- White
- 61.9%
- Black
- 5.7%
- Hispanic
- 17.3%
- Asian
- 4.2%
- In-State Students
- 83.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.7%
Location
North Central College sits in Naperville, Illinois, about 30 miles west of Chicago. The college draws 83% of its students from within Illinois, reflecting its strong regional appeal. Naperville consistently ranks among America's safest and most livable cities, offering a classic suburban college experience with tree-lined streets and family-friendly neighborhoods. The Chicago metropolitan area provides extensive internship and career opportunities, particularly valuable for students in the college's popular business programs. Students can easily access downtown Chicago via the Metra rail system for cultural events, professional networking, and urban experiences. The setting combines small-town charm with big-city accessibility. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare North Central College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Naperville, Illinois 60540
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,123
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,756
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $260/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at North Central College?
North Central College admits 60.87% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1020-1240 on the SAT, reflecting the college's focus on well-rounded students rather than just top test scores.
How much does North Central College cost after financial aid?
While tuition runs $44,394, the average net price drops to $23,033 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,752 on average, showing the Methodist college's commitment to access.
What is the student-faculty ratio at North Central College?
North Central maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 2,360 total students. This small liberal arts environment allows for the close mentoring relationships the college is known for in its strong business programs.
What do graduates of North Central College earn after graduation?
Alumni earn a median of $60,123 ten years after graduation with a 95.9% employment rate. The typical graduate leaves with $24,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $260, making the investment manageable.
Where is North Central College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Naperville, Illinois, a thriving Chicago suburb known for its quality of life. With 1,417 students living on campus and 27 varsity sports teams, there's a strong residential community feel despite being in a midsize city.
Does North Central College offer athletic scholarships?
North Central offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution, where 795 student-athletes compete purely for the love of their sport. The Cardinals compete in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin, emphasizing academics over athletic recruitment.
