Northcentral University: 98 Students

98Students

$48,414Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearResearch UniversityData: 2023-24

About Northcentral University

Northcentral University caters to working professionals seeking advanced degrees without leaving their careers behind. This online institution enrolls just 98 students, creating an intimate academic environment that's rare in distance learning. The 1:1 student-faculty ratio means personalized attention that larger programs can't match. Northcentral specializes in graduate programs built around busy adult schedules, with flexible coursework that adapts to professional demands.

The financial picture looks promising for graduates. Students carry a median debt of just $12,500, well below national averages for graduate education. Within five years of graduation, median earnings reach $75,713, making the investment worthwhile. Monthly loan payments average only $133, a manageable burden given graduate earning potential. Just 31% of students need federal loans, suggesting either affordable tuition or students with existing resources.

The student body reflects the professional focus, with women comprising 77% of enrollment. Nearly half of students identify as white, while 24% are Black, creating meaningful diversity in online classrooms. The 91% employment rate demonstrates strong career outcomes. With only 25% receiving financial aid, many students appear to be established professionals investing in career advancement rather than traditional college students seeking initial degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Northcentral University operates as a private online institution specializing in graduate programs for working professionals. The school maintains a remarkable 1:1 student-faculty ratio across its 98 enrolled students, providing intensive mentorship that mirrors doctoral advisory relationships. This individualized attention serves the university's focus on dissertation-intensive doctoral programs in business, education, and psychology. Students work closely with faculty chairs throughout their research journey. The online format attracts busy professionals seeking advanced credentials while maintaining careers. With 76.53% female enrollment, the student body reflects the university's strength in education and psychology fields. The specialized model emphasizes research methodology and scholarly writing rather than traditional coursework structures.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 1:1
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,414
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Doctoral	$102,335
Psychology, General.	Doctoral	$86,867
Education, General.	Doctoral	$70,232
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$60,771
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Certificate	$58,673
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$49,990
Education, General.	Master	$47,312
Psychology, General.	Master	$44,542
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.	Master	$39,729
Education, General.	Certificate	$38,829

View all 49 programs →

Campus Life

Northcentral University operates as a fully online institution, meaning your "campus" is wherever you choose to study. With just 98 students enrolled, you'll know most of your classmates by name in this intimate academic environment. The 1:1 student-faculty ratio ensures direct access to professors who understand that 76.53% of students are women, many juggling careers and family responsibilities.

Your weekends won't involve traditional campus activities since this private online university caters specifically to working adults. Instead of dorm life, you'll log into virtual classrooms from your home office, local coffee shop, or wherever fits your schedule. The "other" calendar system reflects flexible pacing designed around professional commitments. With a 90.9% employment rate, most students are already working full-time while pursuing their degrees. Your social connections happen through online discussion forums, virtual study groups, and video conferences. The San Diego headquarters exists mainly for administrative purposes. Your daily routine involves balancing coursework with existing responsibilities, making education accessible without relocating or leaving your job.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Other
Founded: 1996

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 44°–65°F
July Avg: 63°–78°F
Annual Precipitation: 12.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Working professionals make up most of Northcentral's tiny student body of 98. The university attracts three times more women than men, reflecting its focus on fields like education and healthcare administration. About half the students are white, with significant Black representation at nearly 25%. Only one in four receives Pell Grants, suggesting these adult learners have established careers. The diverse mix spans the country, drawn to Northcentral's flexible online format that lets them earn advanced degrees while maintaining full-time jobs and family responsibilities.

Men: 23.5%
Women: 76.5%
White: 48.0%
Black: 24.5%
Hispanic: 8.2%
Asian: 1.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 25.5%

Location

Northcentral University operates from San Diego, California's sprawling urban landscape. The school sits in America's eighth-largest city, home to 1.4 million residents. San Diego's year-round 70-degree weather and Pacific coastline create an ideal backdrop for the university's online-focused model. The city's thriving biotech and military sectors align well with NCU's professional graduate programs. Students can access strong beaches just minutes from downtown while enjoying one of the nation's most diverse metropolitan areas. The university's 98-student enrollment reflects its specialized approach to adult learners rather than traditional campus life. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Northcentral University with similar schools in the region.

Address: San Diego, California 92123

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $48,414
Median Earnings (5 years): $75,713
Loan Repayment Rate: 32.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $133/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body size at Northcentral University?

Northcentral University enrolls just 98 students, making it an extremely small institution focused on individualized attention. The school operates as a private online university designed specifically for working adults pursuing graduate degrees. Women make up 76.53% of the student body, reflecting the university's appeal to professionals seeking career advancement.

How much do graduates of Northcentral University typically earn?

Graduates earn a median of $48,414 ten years after graduation, with higher early-career earnings of $75,713 at the five-year mark. The university's focus on graduate programs for working professionals helps explain these solid earning outcomes. However, only 32.77% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans, suggesting some financial challenges for graduates.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Northcentral University?

Northcentral University maintains an exceptional 1:1 student-faculty ratio, offering unparalleled individual attention. This intensive mentorship model supports the university's dissertation-focused doctoral programs. The personalized approach reflects the institution's commitment to guiding working adults through rigorous graduate-level research.

How much financial aid do students receive at Northcentral University?

Only 25.47% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants. Graduates who borrow money typically leave with $12,500 in debt and monthly payments of $133. The relatively low borrowing rates likely reflect that many students are working professionals who can pay as they go.

Where is Northcentral University located and what type of campus does it have?

Northcentral University operates as an online institution based in San Diego, California. The university functions entirely through distance learning rather than maintaining a traditional campus. This online-only model allows working adults from across the country to access graduate programs without relocating.

Does Northcentral University have good employment outcomes for graduates?

The university reports a 90.9% employment rate among its graduates, reflecting strong job market performance. As an institution founded in 1996, Northcentral has built a reputation for serving working professionals who often remain with their current employers. The high employment rate makes sense given that most students are already established in their careers while pursuing advanced degrees.