About North Park University
North Park University builds its identity around Swedish-American heritage and Evangelical Covenant values in Chicago's North Side. The university enrolls 1,844 students who benefit from small classes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. Known for its strong nursing and business programs, North Park emphasizes service learning and urban engagement. The 68% acceptance rate makes admission moderately competitive, with incoming students averaging a 21 on the ACT.
Students pay an average net price of $18,191 after financial aid, less than the $35,325 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $59,572 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $25,500 manageable with monthly payments around $270. The 95.8% employment rate shows strong career outcomes for Vikings alumni.
The student body reflects Chicago's diversity, with 35% Hispanic students and 30% white students creating a multicultural campus environment. About 80% of students come from Illinois, giving North Park a strong local connection. The 56% six-year graduation rate lags behind peer institutions, though the intimate campus setting and 16 NCAA Division III sports teams help build community among the 935 students living on campus.
Students pay an average net price of $18,191 after financial aid, less than the $35,325 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $59,572 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $25,500 manageable with monthly payments around $270. The 95.8% employment rate shows strong career outcomes for Vikings alumni.
The student body reflects Chicago's diversity, with 35% Hispanic students and 30% white students creating a multicultural campus environment. About 80% of students come from Illinois, giving North Park a strong local connection. The 56% six-year graduation rate lags behind peer institutions, though the intimate campus setting and 16 NCAA Division III sports teams help build community among the 935 students living on campus.
Academics & Faculty
North Park University operates as a Christian liberal arts institution with strong ties to the Evangelical Covenant Church. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes. The school has built a reputation for its nursing program, which draws many students to its health sciences offerings. Business and education also stand out as popular academic paths. With a 56% six-year graduation rate, students face moderate completion challenges typical of smaller private institutions. The university emphasizes faith integration across disciplines rather than purely secular academics. Faculty mentorship runs deep here, reflecting the school's commitment to developing both professional skills and personal character in its 1,844 students.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 55.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 56.0%
- Retention Rate
- 68.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,572
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $101,701 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $66,915 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,826 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,303 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $57,318 |
| Education, General. | Master | $47,260 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,584 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,153 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,424 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
Campus Life
North Park's compact urban campus sits in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood, about 20 minutes from downtown by train. With housing capacity for just 935 students and total enrollment of 1,844, roughly half the student body lives on campus. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name.
Chicago winters demand serious coats and boots, while summers call for lighter clothes and sunscreen during the brief warm months. The diverse student body reflects the surrounding neighborhood, with 34.82% Hispanic and 30.26% White students creating a multicultural atmosphere. Students often explore Chicago's neighborhoods on weekends, taking advantage of nearby public transit. The 430 student-athletes competing in 16 NCAA Division III sports help drive school spirit for the Vikings. Campus traditions center around the school's Evangelical Covenant roots, though the religious affiliation feels welcoming rather than restrictive. With 80.34% of students from Illinois, many go home on weekends, but those who stay find plenty to do in one of America's great cities.
Chicago winters demand serious coats and boots, while summers call for lighter clothes and sunscreen during the brief warm months. The diverse student body reflects the surrounding neighborhood, with 34.82% Hispanic and 30.26% White students creating a multicultural atmosphere. Students often explore Chicago's neighborhoods on weekends, taking advantage of nearby public transit. The 430 student-athletes competing in 16 NCAA Division III sports help drive school spirit for the Vikings. Campus traditions center around the school's Evangelical Covenant roots, though the religious affiliation feels welcoming rather than restrictive. With 80.34% of students from Illinois, many go home on weekends, but those who stay find plenty to do in one of America's great cities.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 935 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1891
Campus Safety (2023)
19 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–31°F
- July Avg
- 67°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.4"
Student Demographics
North Park draws students who value both faith and diversity in an urban setting. The student body is 80% from Illinois, reflecting the university's strong ties to Chicago's Swedish-American Evangelical Covenant community. Hispanic students make up 35% of enrollment, while white students represent 30%, creating one of the more diverse Christian college campuses in the Midwest. Women outnumber men 57% to 43%, typical for liberal arts institutions emphasizing education and social work programs. With 43% receiving Pell Grants, the university successfully attracts working-class families seeking affordable Christian higher education in the city.
- Men
- 43.4%
- Women
- 56.6%
- White
- 30.3%
- Black
- 9.2%
- Hispanic
- 34.8%
- Asian
- 8.2%
- In-State Students
- 80.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 43.2%
Location
North Park University sits in Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States. The campus occupies the North Park neighborhood on Chicago's north side, giving students direct access to a major metropolitan area of 2.7 million people. Chicago offers strong museums, professional sports teams, and diverse neighborhoods connected by extensive public transit. The university benefits from the city's strong job market and internship opportunities across finance, healthcare, and technology sectors. With 80.34% of students coming from Illinois, most are already familiar with the Midwest's urban culture and seasonal climate. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare North Park University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Chicago, Illinois 60625-4895
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,572
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,703
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 64.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $270/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at North Park University?
North Park University accepts 68% of applicants with an average ACT score of 21. This Christian university in Chicago draws students who value its Evangelical Covenant mission and small class sizes.
How much does North Park University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,191 despite the $35,325 sticker price. The university provides substantial aid with 43% of students receiving Pell Grants and graduates leaving with a median debt of $25,500.
What is the student-faculty ratio at North Park University?
North Park maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,844 total students. The university emphasizes personalized attention and close mentoring relationships between professors and students.
What are the graduation outcomes at North Park University?
North Park graduates 56% of students within six years and achieves a 95.8% employment rate. Alumni earn a median salary of $59,572 ten years after graduation, reflecting the university's strong career preparation.
Where do North Park University students live on campus?
The university houses 935 students on campus with room and board costing $10,775 annually. North Park's urban Chicago location provides students access to internships and cultural opportunities throughout the city.
How diverse is North Park University's student body?
North Park's enrollment is 35% Hispanic, 30% White, 9% Black, and 8% Asian students. The university has become increasingly diverse while maintaining its Christian identity, with 57% of students being women.
