North Park University
Chicago, United States
North Park University
Chicago, United States
Founded
1891
Institution Type
Private
Total Students
2,700+
Acceptance Rate
~69%
Discover North Park University: A Christian, City-Centered, Intercultural Institution
Discover North Park University: A Christian, City-Centered, Intercultural Institution
North Park University is a private Christian university located on Chicago's north side in the historic North Park neighborhood. Founded in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church, the university enrolls more than 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students from around the world and describes itself as Christian, city-centered, and intercultural.
The university offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs across liberal arts, professional studies, and theology. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, North Park is also a designated Hispanic-serving institution, with nearly half of its students identifying as persons of color, reflecting its deep commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Situated on a 33-acre urban campus just minutes from downtown Chicago, North Park leverages the city as an extension of its classroom through its innovative Catalyst 606 program. Students benefit from small class sizes with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, hands-on learning opportunities, and access to internships across one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States.
Key Milestones
- 1891: Founded in a Minneapolis church basement by the Evangelical Covenant Church, offering language and business classes to Swedish immigrants.
- 1894: Relocated to Chicago's North Park neighborhood and opened Old Main, the first campus building, with five academic departments.
- 1958: Expanded from a two-year junior college into a four-year institution, becoming North Park College.
- 1997: Became North Park University, reflecting its growth into a comprehensive university with undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs.
Academic Structure and Programs
Academic Structure and Programs
North Park University is organized into several colleges and schools offering over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs. The academic structure combines a strong liberal arts core curriculum with professional and pre-professional programs, preparing students for careers and lives of significance and service.
College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences offers over 40 undergraduate majors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs in a wide range of liberal arts and sciences, forming the academic foundation of the university.
- Biology
- Psychology
- Communication
School of Business and Nonprofit Management
Offering fully accredited undergraduate and graduate programs, the School of Business and Nonprofit Management has provided business education since the university's founding, expanding to meet the demands of growing business and nonprofit sectors.
- Business Administration
- Nonprofit Management
- MBA
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Known for its academically rigorous programs and outstanding clinical experiences, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences places students in magnet-designated hospitals throughout the Chicago area for hands-on training.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Health Sciences
School of Education
For over 40 years, the School of Education has prepared highly effective educators to teach in complex and changing classrooms, offering programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
- Educational Administration (M.A.)
School of Music, Art, and Theatre
Students receive personalized attention and performance opportunities to reach their goals as vocalists, instrumentalists, visual artists, or theatre professionals, with four undergraduate programs and two master's degrees available.
- Music Performance
- Art
- Theatre
North Park Theological Seminary
As the seminary of the Evangelical Covenant Church, North Park Theological Seminary offers graduate-level theological education and is additionally accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.
- Master of Divinity
- Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
- Doctor of Ministry
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
- ApplicationNorth Park Application or Common Application
- TranscriptsOfficial high school transcripts required
- RecommendationOne academic reference letter
- EssayPersonal essay required
- English ProficiencyTOEFL or IELTS required for international students
Graduate Admission
- DegreeBachelor's degree or U.S. equivalent required
- TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all institutions attended
- RecommendationsLetters of recommendation (varies by program)
- EssaysThree essays, resume or CV required
- English ProficiencyTOEFL or IELTS for international applicants
North Park accepts applications throughout the year on a rolling basis. Apply early for the best financial aid package.
Illinois residents should file by February 1 to ensure eligibility for the Illinois MAP Grant.
Secure your enrollment with a USD 200 tuition deposit, credited toward your first semester tuition.
International students must apply by October for admission in the Spring semester intake.
Tuition and Scholarships
Tuition and Scholarships
As a private university, North Park University charges the same tuition rate for all students regardless of state residency. The university is committed to affordability, with tuition approximately 15% less than most private four-year Midwestern colleges according to the College Board, and 96% of undergraduates receiving grants or scholarships.
| Cost Category | On-Campus | Off-Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | USD 36,710 | USD 36,710 |
| Room and Board | USD 13,590 | Varies |
| Books and Supplies | USD 1,050 | USD 1,050 |
| Personal/Transportation | Varies | Varies |
| Total | ~USD 51,350 | ~USD 54,665 |
Nyvall Academic Scholarship
Merit-based scholarship automatically considered upon application, awarded based on academic achievements including test scores and unweighted GPA.
- Amount: USD 5,000 - USD 22,000 per year
- Eligibility: First-year students (domestic and international)
- Renewable: Yes, with maintained eligibility
Talent-Based Scholarships
Competitive scholarships available in music, art, theatre, journalism, media production, cheer, and dance for students demonstrating exceptional creative talent.
- Music Awards: USD 1,500 - USD 8,000 per year
- Art Awards: Up to USD 1,000 per year
- Duration: Renewable for up to four years
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
North Park University's 33-acre campus is a green oasis on Chicago's north side, blending historic architecture with modern facilities. The campus is conveniently accessible by public transportation, placing students within easy reach of downtown Chicago and the broader metropolitan area.
The oldest building on campus, erected in 1894, with its iconic cupola that once served as a landmark for pilots navigating to O'Hare Airport.
A state-of-the-art LEED-certified facility opened in 2014, housing science programs and community spaces including the 1891 Bread Co. cafe.
Recently renovated athletic and recreation facility providing fitness equipment, courts, and spaces for the university's 19 varsity sports teams.
Housing and Dining
Residential Life
North Park encourages all undergraduate students to live on campus, offering a diverse and engaging residential experience. On-campus housing costs approximately USD 11,450 per year.
- Traditional residence halls for first-year students
- Apartment-style housing for upperclassmen
- 975 dormitory beds available on campus
Dining Options
Students can choose from multiple meal plan options at Magnuson Dining Hall, with additional dining at Bickner Bistro and Viking Market and Cafe. Flex Dollars provide flexible spending across all campus dining locations.
- Magnuson Dining Hall with multiple meal plan options
- Bickner Bistro and Viking Market and Cafe
- Meal plans starting at approximately USD 2,950 per semester
Student Life at North Park
Student Life at North Park
North Park University fosters a close-knit, intercultural community where students from diverse backgrounds come together. With numerous student organizations, campus events coordinated by the Campus Activities Board, and a vibrant city just outside the campus gates, there is always something to engage with.
Chicago: Your City, Your Classroom
Chicago: Your City, Your Classroom
Living and Learning in Chicago
Chicago is the third largest city in the United States with approximately 2.7 million residents and 9.5 million in the greater metropolitan area. North Park's zip code, 60625, is one of the most ethnically diverse in the nation, with more than 40 languages spoken in neighborhood schools. The city serves as an integral part of the North Park experience, offering endless opportunities for internships, cultural exploration, and career development.
Public Transportation Access
The campus is well served by CTA buses and the Brown Line, making it easy to travel to internships downtown or explore Chicago's 77 community areas.
Cultural Richness
Students have year-round access to professional music, theatre, dance, art institutions, and world-renowned museums throughout the city.
Diverse Neighborhood
The surrounding Albany Park and North Park neighborhoods feature residents from Latin America, the Middle East, the Philippines, India, Korea, and many other regions around the world.
Airport Proximity
O'Hare International Airport is just 20 minutes from campus, and North Park provides free airport shuttle service on International Arrival Day for new students.
Career Outcomes and Alumni
Career Outcomes and Alumni
Career Sectors and Employers
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
The Office of International Affairs provides primary support for F-1 visa students, including immigration advising, cultural adjustment assistance, and orientation programming.
New international students participate in a dedicated orientation that includes airport shuttle service, shopping trips for essentials, and campus integration activities.
International students must provide financial documentation including personal funds and family support. North Park offers international student grants as part of financial aid packages.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
North Park University Rankings
North Park University Rankings
North Park University has seen significant improvements in national rankings, reflecting its commitment to academic quality, affordability, and social mobility. The university is recognized for helping students from diverse backgrounds succeed academically and professionally.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing | Most popular major with strong clinical placement in magnet-designated hospitals across Chicago | Top Program |
| Business Administration | Fully accredited programs with undergraduate and graduate offerings including MBA and nonprofit management | Top Program |
| Theology and Religious Studies | Home to the Evangelical Covenant Church's only seminary, with strong research output in theology | Top Program |
| Education | Over 40 years of preparing effective educators with programs at undergraduate and graduate levels | Top Program |
Features
North Park University in Chicago, Illinois, is a private institution known for its diverse and inclusive community, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Highlights include a significant representation of students of color and international students, fostering a multicultural environment, strong academic programs, especially notable in health and physical education, business, nonprofit management, and theological studies, and career development with an 84% employment rate within six months of graduation, supported by robust career services. This blend of academic rigor, diversity, and career support makes North Park a distinctive choice for students.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
June - November
Location
3225 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, United States
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