


North Central University is a private Christian university founded in Minneapolis in 1930. It began as North Central Bible Institute, reflecting its original focus on preparing students for ministry, and later operated as North Central Bible College before adopting its university name.
That history remains visible in its religious studies programs and campus life, but its academic offerings now also include fields such as business, education, music and the social sciences. Applicants comparing similarly named institutions should note that this is North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
North Central University offers undergraduate and graduate study in a range of professional, liberal arts and ministry-related fields. Its programs include business, education, psychology, communication, music, biblical studies and pastoral ministry.
Prospective students should use the current academic catalog to identify the exact major and credential they want. A subject appearing among course offerings does not necessarily mean that every degree level or concentration in that subject is available. This distinction is especially important for students pursuing teacher licensure or another occupation with specific course and fieldwork requirements.
Reported staffing includes 18 full-time and 110 part-time faculty members teaching undergraduate or graduate students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to 1. That ratio describes the institution overall; it does not predict the size of a particular class or how often a student will study with full-time faculty.
North Central University is in downtown Minneapolis, at 910 Elliot Avenue. Its urban setting puts students near employers, community organizations and public transit, while making city travel and parking part of the practical enrollment decision.
The campus is near the U.S. Bank Stadium area and the Metro Blue and Green light-rail lines. Students commuting from elsewhere in the Twin Cities should check their actual trip and class schedule rather than assuming that proximity to a station makes every commute convenient. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is the region's main airport and is accessible by light rail with onward travel to campus.
North Central University identifies as a Christian university affiliated with the Assemblies of God. Its stated educational purpose connects academic study with Christian faith, service and leadership.
For applicants, that identity is relevant to more than religious majors: it informs campus programming and expectations for community life. Students should read the current mission, faith and conduct statements alongside their prospective program requirements to understand what participation at the university entails. An institutional mission describes the university's commitments; it is not, by itself, evidence of a particular academic or career outcome.
Name of the institution
North Central UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
Under 1,000Religious affiliation
Protestant (Assemblies of God)School type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1930North Central University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Bachelor's degree
Master's degreeData last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.