North Park University
North Park University has an acceptance rate of 68.5%, an average net price of $15,949, and an overall rank of #826 (Grade B). About 52.4% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $65,589 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
North Park University is a private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, and 61.7% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 89.6%, roughly 39.7 points higher than typical outcomes. 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 52.4% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 61.3% and keeps 61.7% 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
Est. annual aid gap: $29,812 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $38,250 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,510 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,500 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $45,761 |
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 50.4% of North Park University students receive Pell Grants — well 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 $13,979 to $24,869 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 $16,182/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,869/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $65,589
- 10-Year Median Earnings $61,717
- Average Years to Graduate 4.6 years
- Average Student Debt $25,000
- Debt-to-Earnings ~38.1%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 64.2%
- Employment Rate 92.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for North Park University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
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: North Park University graduates earn $65,589 median five years after graduation, 6% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
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 1,818
- Full-Time Students 95.2%
- Part-Time Students 4.8%
- Retention Rate 61.7%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 52.4%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 61.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
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 68.5%, 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 68.5% 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 Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 23.4%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 16.6%
- Psychology, General 9.2%
- Biology, General 7.5%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 6.3%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 4.3%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.6%
- Mechanical Engineering 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 $85,918
- 2. Criminal Justice and Corrections $73,711
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $67,207
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness $58,660
- 5. Psychology, General $58,648
- 6. Health and Medical Administrative Services $56,805
- 7. Biology, General $56,510
- 8. Communication and Media Studies $53,281
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $115,661
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $81,720
- 3. Education, General (Master's Degree) $66,321
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $61,434
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $85,918—61% more than Communication and Media Studies ($53,281). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $115,661 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 69 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 38 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 31 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 29 graduates)
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 26 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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 (38 programs)â–Ľ
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Mechanical Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Mathematics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Sociology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Political Science and Government
- Music
- Philosophy
- Marketing
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Physics
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- History
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Chemistry
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Systems Science and Theory
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- International/Globalization Studies
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Economics
- Area Studies
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Online Master's Degrees (8 programs)â–Ľ
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Education, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Music
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)â–Ľ
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)â–Ľ
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–Ľ
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,818
- Full-Time Students 95.2%
- Part-Time Students 4.8%
- Male Students 44.0%
- Female Students 56.0%
- Caucasian 28.4%
- Asian 8.1%
- Hispanic 34.9%
- Black 10.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 50.4%
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 28.4% identifying as White. 50.4% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
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 89.6% ROI. Ranked #826 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $15,949 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $65,589 median earnings. With 52.4% graduating within 150% of normal time and 61.7% 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 #826 ranking, North Park University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $15,949 annually, North Park University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 61.7% 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 $11,164 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 89.6% ROI and $65,589 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $5,949+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: North Park University ranks #826 of 1955 institutions, with 442 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
- 52.4% graduation rate sits 10.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 61.7% first-year retention is 15.1 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 89.6% return on investment is 39.7 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $65,589 run about 6% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $15,949 is roughly $3,932 lower than the national median of $19,881.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 61.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.1% employment rate within three years sits 23.9 points above national outcomes.
- 49.8% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
- 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 #826 in EDsmart's rankings 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 (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
61.7% of learners come back after year one while 52.4% graduate within 150% of normal time (61.3% within eight years). Return on investment currently measures 89.6% 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 $15,949 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $45,761.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $29,812 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $25,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 50.4% 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 $65,589 five years after graduation. This is roughly 6% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 92.1% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near 89.6%, 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
68.5% 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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). North Park University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/north-park-university/
MLA (9th): “North Park University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/north-park-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “North Park University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/north-park-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is North Park University's acceptance rate?
North Park University's acceptance rate is 68.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does North Park University cost?
At North Park University, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $15,949 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $45,761 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $38,250. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is North Park University's ranking?
North Park University ranks #826 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is North Park University's graduation rate?
At North Park University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 52.4% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 61.3%, and first-year retention is 61.7%.
What are North Park University's job outcomes?
Graduates of North Park University report median earnings of $65,589 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is North Park University's student population?
North Park University enrolls about 1,818 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 3225 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625-4895
- Website www.northpark.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$102.9M