North Central College

North Central College

Great Lakes Region
City Campus Setting
Small Size
2,454 Undergrad Enrollment
12:1 Student:Faculty
Doctor's degree Highest Degree
Accepts Tuition Rewards

From North Central College

Why has the enrollment of North Central College grown every year – to more than 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students?

Incoming students are attracted to North Central College's 59-acre campus for many reasons - its location in vibrant Naperville (IL), 30 miles by train from Chicago; its reputable majors in the fine arts, athletic training, biology, broadcast communications, business, education, English, Japanese, and psychology (to highlight just a few of 55 choices); and, its impressive new facilities for academics, the arts, athletics and residence life.

Students are inspired by faculty members so committed to undergraduate teaching that they rank among the top in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report. Students find they can combine majors in ways usually discouraged by other schools. Founded in 1861, North Central College offers endless opportunities for study abroad and obtaining internships. Students find themselves conducting research side-by-side with their professors and attending professional conferences; they quickly realize the phrase "Be Central" is more than just words.

Neighborhood

North Central College's Naperville campus sits in the heart of a charming downtown area with tree-lined streets and easy pedestrian access to local restaurants, cafes, and shops along the Chicago Avenue corridor. Students enjoy a walkable community atmosphere with plenty of entertainment options, from independent bookstores to casual dining spots, all within a short stroll of campus. The surrounding neighborhood offers a safe, college-friendly environment with a mix of historic architecture and modern amenities, making it an ideal setting for both academic pursuits and social activities.
70
Very Walkable
Walk Score
20
Some Transit
Transit Score
55
Bikeable
Bike Score
½ mile
1 mile
2 miles
Food & Drink
Restaurants & Bars
Daily Needs
Grocery & Services
Shopping & Entertainment
Shopping & Entertainment
Health & Wellness
Gyms, Parks & Hospitals
Transit Access
Rail (subway, train, light rail)
Bus stops & stations

Admissions & Enrollment

2026-27 Application Deadlines Deadline  
Rolling Admission Open Applications are reviewed as they arrive
Application deadlines are based on information from the college website or publicly available sources. Deadlines can change, so be sure to verify all deadlines with the college before applying.
  REQ Required REC Recommended CON Considered NR Not Required
Highschool GPA
Highschool Rank
Highschool Record
College Preparatory Program
Recommendations
Admission test scores
Personal essay
· REQ = Required
· REC = Recommended
· CON = Considered
· NR = Not Required
Standardized Tests % Submitted Score Range  
SAT 21 1055 - 1310  
ACT 6 24 - 29  
Freshmen Class Total Men Women Another
Number of applicants 4,596 45 % 54 % -
Number admitted 3,554 44 % 55 % 1 %
Number enrolled 482 49 % 50 % -
Does not fall into either of the mutually exclusive binary categories provided

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Majors & Degrees

Degree is in the top 10 based on undergradate enrollment.
Degree is in the top 5 based on enrollment at the postgraduate level.
Area of Study Major Bachelor Master Doctor Cert.
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies
East Asian Studies
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Biochemistry
Biology/Biological Sciences
Neuroscience
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Accounting
Business Administration and Management
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Organizational Leadership
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies
Finance
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration
International Business/Trade/Commerce
Actuarial Science
Marketing/Marketing Management
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Speech Communication and Rhetoric
Journalism
Organizational Communication
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia
Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Computer Science
Education
Educational Leadership and Administration
Higher Education/Higher Education Administration
Special Education and Teaching
Elementary Education and Teaching
Secondary Education and Teaching
Music Teacher Education
Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
English Language and Literature/Letters
English Language and Literature
Writing
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Chinese Language and Literature
Japanese Language and Literature
German Language and Literature
Spanish Language and Literature
Health Professions and Related Programs
Athletic Training/Trainer
Physician Assistant
Nursing Education
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
Occupational Therapy/Therapist
Physical Therapy/Therapist
History
History
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Humanities/Humanistic Studies
Mathematics and Statistics
Applied Mathematics
Mathematics
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Biological and Physical Sciences
International/Globalization Studies
Nutrition Sciences
Natural Resources and Conservation
Environmental Studies
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Applied and Professional Ethics
Philosophy
Religion/Religious Studies
Physical Sciences
Chemistry
Physics
Psychology
Psychology
Social Sciences
Anthropology
Criminology
Economics
Social Sciences
Sociology
Visual and Performing Arts
Graphic Design
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts
Musical Theatre
Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology
Art History, Criticism and Conservation
Fine/Studio Arts
Music

Athletics

NCAA Division III with football
Sport Men Women
Baseball
Basketball
Bowling
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Other Sports
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track and Field, Indoor
Track and Field, Outdoor
Track and Field, X-Country
Volleyball
Wrestling

Campus Images

Mission Statement

We are a diverse community of learners dedicated to preparing students to be curious, engaged, ethical, and purposeful citizens and leaders in local, national and global contexts.