North Park University
North Park University is a private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL ranked #679 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 1,844 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 72.8%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 68.8% first-year retention, and 56.0% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $18,191, about $1,193 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -32.2%, roughly 117.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $49,326. That's about $5,638 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is North Park University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
North Park University graduates 56.0% of students within six years and keeps 68.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use North Park University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $35,325 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,775 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,500 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $42,040 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 43.2% of North Park University students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $17,309 to $23,154 depending on family income. Use North Park University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $18,776/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $23,154/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $49,326
- 10-Year Median Earnings $49,326
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,875
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 64.2%
- Employment Rate 86.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for North Park University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
North Park University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how North Park University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes North Park University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While North Park University graduates earn $49,326 median, the -32.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,844
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 68.8%
- Graduation Rate 56.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into North Park University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: North Park University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 72.8%, North Park University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 72.8% acceptance rate, North Park University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among North Park University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 24.3%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 15.5%
- Biology, General 6.6%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.3%
- Psychology, General 4.3%
- Fine and Studio Arts 4.0%
See more majors
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 3.6%
- Communication and Media Studies 3.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $83,592
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $68,284
- 3. Criminal Justice and Corrections $60,960
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $52,061
- 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $49,609
- 6. Psychology, General $49,267
- 7. Communication and Media Studies $45,665
- 8. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $42,315
- 9. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $40,374
- 10. Biology, General $33,592
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $116,050
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $82,188
- 3. Education, General (Master's Degree) $66,298
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $55,960
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $83,592—149% more than Biology, General ($33,592). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $116,050 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for North Park University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 73 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 52 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 31 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree, 28 graduates)
- Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree, 23 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (42 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Psychology, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Communication and Media Studies
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Music
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Physics
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- International/Global Studies
- Chemistry
- Social Sciences, General
- Religious Education
- International Business
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Economics
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Area Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
Online Master's Degrees (9 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Music
- Education, General
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,844
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 43.4%
- Female Students 56.6%
- Caucasian 30.3%
- Asian 8.2%
- Hispanic 34.8%
- Black 9.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 43.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects North Park University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of North Park University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does North Park University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at North Park University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: North Park University has a diverse student body, with 30.3% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does North Park University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at North Park University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
North Park University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -32.2% ROI. Ranked #679 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $18,191 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $49,326 median earnings. With 56.0% graduating within six years and 68.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: North Park University's Positioning
With a B grade and #679 ranking, North Park University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $18,191 annually, North Park University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 68.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $12,734 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -32.2% ROI and $49,326 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $8,191+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: North Park University ranks #679 of 1971 institutions, with 570 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 56.0% six-year graduation rate sits 6.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 68.8% first-year retention is 8.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -32.2% return on investment is 117.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $49,326 run about 13% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $18,191 is roughly $1,708 lower than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 68.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 86.8% employment rate within three years sits 18.6 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Chicago, IL, North Park University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B from EDsmart. It appears at #679 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (B-), Support (B), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (B).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
68.8% of learners come back after year one while 56.0% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -32.2% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $18,191 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $42,040.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $23,849 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,875 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 43.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $49,326 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 13% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 86.8% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -32.2%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
72.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the North Park University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Chicago, IL 60625-4895
- Website www.northpark.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$99.5M