At $23,574/yr net price, North Central University graduates earn $45,064/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,064/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,574 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,296 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,064/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,064/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,200 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,345/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,101/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,877/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,667/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,269/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $26,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $21,500 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $33,565 | |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries. | Bachelor | $32,284 | $26,250 |
| Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies. | Bachelor | $30,228 | $26,868 |
| Religious/Sacred Music. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $27,552 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
63.6% of students at North Central University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
North Central University delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its $23,574 annual cost. With median earnings of $45,064 ten years after graduation, you'll earn roughly double your annual tuition, which falls short of strong ROI standards for private education.
The earnings picture varies dramatically by major. Business Administration graduates earn $37,208 annually with lower debt loads of $21,500, making it the school's best financial bet. Teacher Education pays $38,289 but saddles you with $26,000 in debt. Social Work and ministry-focused programs like Pastoral Counseling trap graduates in low-paying fields with earnings in the low $30,000s while carrying substantial debt burdens.
Your biggest risk is the 36% chance you won't graduate at all, leaving you with debt but no degree. The 77% retention rate signals students frequently transfer or drop out after experiencing the academic demands or financial pressure.
North Central works financially if you're committed to ministry or social service careers and value the Christian environment enough to accept lower lifetime earnings. The school also makes sense if you qualify for significant aid, since 43% of students receive financial assistance that can meaningfully reduce costs.
Skip this school if you're debt-averse or seeking strong earning potential. The combination of high costs and modest graduate salaries creates a weak value proposition compared to public alternatives or stronger private institutions with better career outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Central University worth the cost for the education you get?
North Central University's ROI is below average, with graduates earning $45,064 ten years after enrollment while carrying $23,200 in median debt. The net price of $23,574 annually makes financial sense mainly if you're pursuing teacher education or business programs, which offer the highest earning potential at around $37,000-$38,000.
What majors at North Central University have the best job prospects and salary?
Teacher education and business programs offer the best financial returns at North Central University, with graduates earning $38,289 and $37,208 respectively. Social work, pastoral counseling, and diversity studies programs lead to significantly lower salaries in the $30,000-$33,000 range.
How much debt do North Central University students typically graduate with?
North Central University graduates carry a median debt of $23,200, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, given that most programs lead to starting salaries in the $30,000-$38,000 range, debt repayment may still be challenging for graduates in lower-paying fields like pastoral counseling.
Does North Central University provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
North Central University's net price of $23,574 suggests moderate financial aid, though this still represents a significant cost for families. With a 64% graduation rate, about one-third of students don't complete their degree, making the financial risk higher than at schools with better completion rates.