North Central University: 90.8% Acceptance Rate

90.8%Acceptance

$29,460Tuition

802Students

64%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,064Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Assemblies of God

About North Central University

North Central University draws students who want Christian education in a big city setting. This Assemblies of God school enrolls 802 students in Minneapolis, making it small enough that you'll know your professors personally. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay intimate even as you explore a major city. The school focuses on ministry preparation and practical education, with about half the student body coming from Minnesota and the rest from across the country seeking faith-based learning.

The financial picture tells two stories. Students pay an average of $23,574 after aid, which makes the $29,460 sticker price much more manageable for most families. Graduates earn a median of $45,064 ten years after leaving school, but they typically carry $23,200 in debt. That debt load means monthly payments of $246, which can be tight given the earnings. About 43% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many middle-class families looking for affordable Christian education.

Students here balance faith with city life opportunities. The 63.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's mission-driven environment where not everyone finishes in traditional timelines. With 13 Division III sports teams and 197 total athletes, you can compete without the pressure of athletic scholarships driving campus culture.

Academics & Faculty

North Central University operates as a private Christian university with strong ties to the Assemblies of God, shaping its academic approach around faith-based learning. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means students get personal attention from professors in small classes, which helps explain why 61.30% of students graduate in four years. With only 802 students total, this isn't a research powerhouse but rather a place focused on undergraduate teaching. The school is known for programs in business, ministry, and education that prepare students for careers in Christian organizations and traditional fields. Students here want a college experience where faith and academics connect, not a place to challenge religious beliefs.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 20.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 61.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 63.6%
Retention Rate: 77.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,064
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$38,289
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$37,208
Social Work.	Bachelor	$33,565
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries.	Bachelor	$32,284
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies.	Bachelor	$30,228
Religious/Sacred Music.	Bachelor	$29,685
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.	Bachelor	$27,552
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$25,194

View all 63 programs →

Campus Life

North Central University sits in Minneapolis, one of America's major cities, giving students access to internships, jobs, and entertainment without the small-town isolation many Christian colleges face. With housing capacity for 898 students and total enrollment of 802, nearly everyone can live on campus if they want to. The campus operates on a semester system, and you'll definitely need that winter coat since Minneapolis winters regularly drop below zero with significant snow.

The school's Assemblies of God affiliation shapes daily life, with chapel services and a community that takes faith seriously. With 197 total athletes competing in 13 varsity sports and a student body split almost evenly between men (48.13%) and women (51.87%), the campus feels small enough that you'll recognize most faces by your second year. Students often head into Minneapolis on weekends to explore the Twin Cities' music scene, food trucks, and professional sports teams. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the 77.51% retention rate suggests most students find their community here and stick around.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 898 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1930

Campus Safety (2023)

23 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	6	2	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	5	0	1	0
Aggravated Assault	0	0	0	4
Domestic Violence	0	0	0	2
Stalking	1	1	0	0
Arson	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 8°–21°F
July Avg: 64°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 34.4"
Annual Snowfall: 40.4"

Student Demographics

North Central draws students who want a Christian education without leaving Minnesota, as about half come from in-state while the rest arrive from across the Midwest. With 802 students total, everyone knows each other on this small campus where faith shapes daily life. The student body includes many first-generation college students, with 43% receiving Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to making Christian higher education accessible to working families. The nearly even gender split reflects balanced programs in ministry, business, and liberal arts that appeal equally to men and women seeking to integrate faith with their careers.

Men: 48.1%
Women: 51.9%
White: 62.5%
Black: 10.4%
Hispanic: 14.2%
Asian: 4.5%
In-State Students: 46.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 42.5%

Location

North Central University sits in Minneapolis, Minnesota's largest city with over 400,000 people. The campus puts students right in the heart of a major metropolitan area known for its strong job market, especially in healthcare, finance, and technology. Minneapolis offers everything from professional sports teams to a thriving arts scene, plus the famous skyway system that connects downtown buildings during harsh winters. The Twin Cities region (Minneapolis and St. Paul) creates opportunities for internships and jobs that smaller college towns can't match. Students get both urban amenities and Midwestern friendliness in one package. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare North Central University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404-1391

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,064
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,855
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 68.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $246/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,200

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at North Central University?

North Central University accepts 90.81% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. This Assemblies of God institution focuses more on fit and faith alignment than highly selective admissions. The school maintains an enrollment of just 802 students in the heart of Minneapolis.

How much does North Central University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $23,574 after aid, less than the full tuition of $29,460. About 43% of students receive Pell Grants, and those from families earning under $30,000 pay only $19,345 on average. Graduates typically leave with $23,200 in debt and monthly loan payments of $246.

What is the student-faculty ratio at North Central University?

The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, ensuring small classes and personal attention from professors. This Christian university emphasizes mentorship and spiritual development alongside academics. The intimate campus environment helps explain the 77.51% first-year retention rate.

How much do North Central University graduates earn after college?

Alumni earn a median of $45,064 ten years after graduation, with a strong employment rate of 97.1%. The university prepares students for ministry, business, and service careers through its faith-based curriculum. About 68% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, indicating solid career outcomes.

Where do North Central University students live on campus?

The university houses students in residence halls with a capacity of 898, accommodating its entire enrollment of 802 students. Room and board costs $9,380 annually in this urban Minneapolis setting. The close-knit residential community reinforces the school's emphasis on Christian fellowship and spiritual growth.

Does North Central University offer athletic scholarships?

The university awards $26,000 in athletic scholarships across its 13 NCAA Division III sports programs. About 197 student-athletes compete as the Rams in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference. Division III athletics emphasize the student-athlete experience over high-level competition, fitting the school's well-rounded educational mission.