At $23,033/yr net price, North Central College graduates earn $60,123/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $26,123/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,033 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $92,132 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,123/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,123/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,752/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,536/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,725/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,967/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,279/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $71,015 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $63,501 | $26,228 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $62,260 | $31,918 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $58,921 | $21,166 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $56,641 | $26,801 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $46,478 | $27,000 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $45,584 | $20,649 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $45,500 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $45,305 | $18,384 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,240 | $21,500 |
The Risk Factor
71.1% of students at North Central College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
North Central College delivers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $60,123 after ten years against a net price of $23,033 annually. The debt burden remains manageable at $24,500 median, creating favorable payback scenarios for graduates who complete their degrees.
Educational Administration and Business Administration lead earnings at North Central, with education majors earning $71,015 annually. Computer Science graduates command $63,501 despite carrying slightly higher debt loads at $26,228. Accounting offers the best debt-to-earnings ratio, with graduates earning $58,921 while carrying just $21,166 in debt. Economics trails other business programs significantly at $56,641.
The 71% graduation rate creates meaningful financial risk for nearly three in ten students who accumulate debt without earning degrees. Your retention rate of 82% suggests most students who struggle academically do so early, before accumulating substantial debt.
North Central works financially for students targeting business, education, or computer science careers in the Chicago metro area. The school's Naperville location provides strong internship and job placement opportunities in corporate corridors. Students considering liberal arts majors or those uncertain about career direction face weaker financial prospects.
Only 25% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting North Central attracts primarily middle and upper-middle income families who can afford the net price without significant financial assistance. Merit scholarships appear limited, making this school challenging for students requiring substantial aid to make the numbers work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Central College worth the cost?
North Central College graduates earn $60,123 annually after 10 years, which is reasonable given the $24,500 median debt load. The $23,033 net price is manageable for a private college, though the 71% graduation rate means nearly 3 in 10 students don't finish.
What are the highest paying majors at North Central College?
Educational Administration leads at $71,015 annually, followed by Computer Science at $63,501. Business and Accounting majors earn around $60,000, while Economics graduates make $56,641.
How much debt do North Central College students graduate with?
The median debt is $24,500, which is below the national average for private colleges. This debt level is generally manageable given typical starting salaries for graduates.
Does North Central College have good financial aid?
The net price of $23,033 suggests decent financial aid for a private institution with a sticker price around $45,000. However, aid varies significantly by family income and academic profile.