Northcentral University
Northcentral University is a private nonprofit university in San Diego, CA ranked #514 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, and enrolling about 98 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Psychology.
Academically, students benefit from a 1:1 student-faculty ratio. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $46,759. That's about $3,071 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Northcentral University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Northcentral University does not report a six-year graduation rate and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Northcentral 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 | Not reported |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | Not reported |
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 25.5% of Northcentral University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $46,759
- 10-Year Median Earnings $46,759
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $9,430
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 32.8%
- Employment Rate 77.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Northcentral 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.
Northcentral University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Northcentral University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Northcentral University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
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 98
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate Not reported
- Student-Faculty Ratio 1:1
How to Get Into Northcentral University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Northcentral 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 Not reported, Northcentral University is selective. 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.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Northcentral University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General, and Education, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 40.8%
- Psychology, General 36.7%
- Education, General 22.4%
- Legal Support Services 0.0%
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. Business Administration, Management and Operations $72,498
- 2. Psychology, General $42,319
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Doctoral Degree) $130,396
- 2. Psychology, General (Doctoral Degree) $102,244
- 3. Education, General (Doctoral Degree) $85,380
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $78,410
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $72,768
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $67,950
- 7. Education, General (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) $61,711
- 8. Education, General (Master's Degree) $57,478
- 9. Psychology, General (Master's Degree) $55,632
- 10. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $51,747
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $72,498—71% more than Psychology, General ($42,319). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $130,396 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard does not list any fully online degree programs for Northcentral University. This institution may offer hybrid or partially online courses, but no fully online degree programs are reported in the latest data release.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 98
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 23.5%
- Female Students 76.5%
- Caucasian 48.0%
- Asian 1.0%
- Hispanic 8.2%
- Black 24.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 25.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Northcentral University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Northcentral University's undergraduate population. Women make up 76.5% of the student body, while men represent 23.5%.
EDsmart Insight: Northcentral University has a diverse student body, with 48.0% identifying as White. Women make up 76.5% of undergraduates.
Our Take
Northcentral University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 0.0% ROI. Ranked #514 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $0 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $46,759 median earnings. With 0.0% graduating within six years and 0.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Northcentral University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #514 ranking, Northcentral University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $0 annually, Northcentral University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 0.0% 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 $0 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 0.0% ROI and $46,759 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $-10,000+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Northcentral University ranks #514 of 1966 institutions, with 0 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
- Median earnings of $46,759 run about 7% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- 77.2% employment rate within three years is 9.0 points above the national 68.2%.
- 1:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.
- #514 of 1,966 national placement reflects steady performance among comparable institutions.
Helpfulness for Students
- 1:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 77.2% employment rate within three years sits 9.0 points above national outcomes.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Pell participation at 25.5% trails the national share by 8.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- 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
Northcentral University, a private nonprofit university in San Diego, CA, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It appears at #514 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support A, 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.
Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
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
Review the charts above for a breakdown of tuition, aid, and typical expenses.
Aid awards vary by student profile, so completing the net price calculator is the best next step.
Graduates leave with a median of $9,430 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 25.5% 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
Graduates report median earnings of about $46,759 six years after entry. That sits about 7% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 77.2% of alumni working within three years.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
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 Northcentral 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 San Diego, CA 92123
- Website www.nu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$120.9M