
30 N Brainard St, Naperville, IL 60540, USA


North Central College holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that it meets established standards of quality and effectiveness in higher education. This accreditation validates the institution's commitment to providing a rigorous academic experience and maintaining continuous improvement across its programs and services.
Additionally, various academic departments within North Central College have received specialized accreditations pertinent to their fields. These endorsements reflect the college's dedication to maintaining industry-specific standards and preparing students for professional success.
Prospective students should consider these accreditations as indicators of the institution's credibility and the value of its degrees in the broader academic and professional community.
North Central College requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or an equivalent high school diploma. Submission of a secondary school transcript is mandatory, and a minimum grade point average is also required for admission. While exact criteria for class rank are not strictly enforced, it is recommended that applicants provide this information to strengthen their application.
Proficiency in English is demonstrated through a required TOEFL score for non-native speakers. Other standardized tests are not explicitly required but recommended to enhance an applicant's profile. North Central College does not follow an open admission policy, indicating selective admission decisions based on academic records and credentials.
The institution allows credit for prior learning, including Advanced Placement (AP) credits and dual enrollment with college programs, both recognized and recommended during the application process. Prospective students can expect the admissions process to consider academic competencies as well.
Regarding standardized test scores, data indicates an average SAT composite score of 1130, with individual averages of 560 in Math and 570 in Writing, all ranked near the 42nd percentile nationally. The mean ACT score stands at 25, which is near the 55th percentile, placing enrolled students in the average range compared to national standards. The acceptance rate at North Central College is approximately 58%, reflecting a moderately selective admission environment.
North Central College requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their admissions materials. This fee helps cover the processing costs associated with evaluating each candidate's credentials. However, the institution offers fee waivers to eligible applicants, aiming to reduce financial barriers and promote access for students from diverse economic backgrounds. These waivers typically apply to students demonstrating financial need or those participating in specific programs or initiatives designated by the college. Applicants are encouraged to inquire about eligibility criteria and the appropriate procedures for requesting a fee waiver during the application process to ensure their submissions are complete and considered without unnecessary cost.
North Central College does not host any Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) branch units on its campus. Prospective students interested in participating in ROTC programs will need to consider arrangements with cooperating host institutions, as there is no direct ROTC program available at North Central College itself.
North Central College welcomes transfer students for the fall, spring, and summer terms, offering multiple entry points throughout the academic year. Transfer admission is moderately difficult, reflecting a selective approach that values a strong academic background.
Applicants are required to submit academic recommendations, which play a role in the evaluation process. The college accepts credit from prior coursework, facilitating the transfer of applicable credits toward degree completion. Additionally, North Central College recognizes CLEP subject exams as a means to validate certain credit transfers, supporting students with prior learning achievements.
North Central College offers a range of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic and cultural experiences. The college provides semester-long, short-term, and faculty-led programs that allow students to earn credit while immersing themselves in different global settings. These programs cover diverse regions and academic disciplines, giving students flexibility in choosing destinations that align with their fields of study and personal interests.
Many of the study abroad options are integrated with academic coursework, ensuring that participants continue their degree progress without interruption. Additionally, the college emphasizes experiential learning by encouraging students to engage with local communities and cultures, enhancing both language skills and global awareness.
North Central College also supports students through pre-departure orientations and ongoing advisement, helping them prepare for and navigate the challenges of studying abroad. The available programs vary in duration and location, allowing students to select experiences that best fit their academic schedules and personal goals.
Median composite SAT score
1130Median composite ACT score
25Percent of students submitting ACT scores
6%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
21.4%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RecommendedRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
Data not availableDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer