About North Park University
North Park University was founded in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church when the Covenant decided that they should formally establish a school of their own. In 1894, the school moved to its current location in Chicago, Illinois. Originally a two-year college named North Park Junior College, in 1958 the school expanded to include four-year programs, and the name was changed to North Park College. Then in 1997, the decision was made to again change the name of the school to its current name North Park University. As a Christian university of the Evangelical Covenant Church, the mission of North Park University is “to prepare students for lives of significance and service through education in the liberal arts, professional studies, and theology.”
North Park University awards bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorate degrees, and certificates from the following schools:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Music, Art, and Theater
- School of Business and Nonprofit Management
- School of Professional Studies
- School of Education
- School of Nursing and Health Sciences
- North Park Theological Seminary
For students requiring a more flexible schedule, North Park University offers select courses and entire degree programs through its distance learning program. North Park University online degrees are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as a doctorate degree. Online programs combine quality and personal engagement that are hallmarks of North Park education with convenient, 24/7 delivery. The flexibility of online learning allows you to earn your degree regardless of the stage of life you are in.
Accreditation & Licensing
North Park University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Evangelical Covenant Church of AmericaEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 2,054 ; Graduate: 991Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 2% ; Graduate: 9%Graduation Rate:
58%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$59,572Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$25,500Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
96%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$22,501Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by North Park University
All Programs
Business
Nursing
Religion & Philosophy
Filters
Annual tuition is about $36,710, so cost and pace matter from day one. Some students call the school too expensive for the quality.
Your credits can change total cost and time to finish. Some older Dialogue I–III courses may not meet standard English or writing requirements. That can mean extra classes before graduation.
Build a clear plan early around aid, accepted credits, and your class pace. Small classes of about 30 can make it easier to stay on track.
At North Park University, students can find help quickly in class. Professors are approachable and easy to reach. Many students get direct academic support when classes get tough. That steady access gives students a reliable place to turn.
Some office processes can move more slowly than classroom support. Advising and paperwork may feel uneven at times, depending on the request. Even so, the school’s strongest point is clear. Students often get solid help from professors while they work through their courses.
Online learners at North Park get small classes. Many classes run about 20 to 30 students. That size supports direct contact with instructors. It also makes one-on-one help more realistic.
The online fit is strongest for students who want structure. Classes are personal, and professors are reachable. The pace works best when you stay engaged each week. This is a good match for learners who want regular instructor support, not a hands-off format.
North Park University is built around small classes, usually 20 to 30 students. That size gives classes a steady, discussion-based rhythm. Professors are easy to reach and stay involved in student progress. Students are often known by name and get direct help during class.
Teaching is the school’s strongest point. Many students get more one-on-one attention than they would in large lecture courses. Outside the classroom, day-to-day operations can feel less consistent. Even so, the core experience is clear: close professor contact and personal instruction.
North Park’s clearest strength is classroom access. Classes are often 20 to 30 students. Professors are easy to reach. Students get direct, one-on-one help.
The teaching experience feels personal and consistent. The picture is more mixed outside class. Administrative follow-through can be uneven. One report describes delayed student-worker pay.
Transfer fit can also affect completion time. Older Dialogue I–III coursework may not count like standard writing prerequisites. Cost value is mixed at this price point. Overall, North Park fits students who want close professor contact and a small-class learning pace.
North Park’s clearest strength is classroom access. Classes are often 20 to 30 students. Professors are easy to reach. Students get direct, one-on-one help.
The teaching experience feels personal and consistent. The picture is more mixed outside class. Administrative follow-through can be uneven. One report describes delayed student-worker pay.
Transfer fit can also affect completion time. Older Dialogue I–III coursework may not count like standard writing prerequisites. Cost value is mixed at this price point. Overall, North Park fits students who want close professor contact and a small-class learning pace.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Park University
Is North Park University accredited?
Yes. North Park University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does North Park University offer?
North Park University offers 24 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does North Park University offer?
North Park University offers programs from bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at North Park University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is North Park University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, North Park University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at North Park University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask North Park University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most North Park University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.5 to 3.2, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is North Park University military friendly?
North Park University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from North Park University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for North Park University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Official College Transcript(s), Resume/CV, and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does North Park University accept life experience credit?
North Park University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are North Park University programs fully online or mixed?
North Park University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does North Park University offer?
North Park University has online program options in areas such as Business, Religion & Philosophy, and Nursing; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any North Park University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
Are any admission tests required for North Park University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at North Park University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any North Park University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at North Park University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For North Park University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare North Park University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
North Park University is featured in 9 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
North Park University is located in Illinois
Illinois at a Glance:
Top Majors in Illinois:
Top Incentives in Illinois:
- Monetary Award Program (MAP): Up to $5,340 annually
Top Career Pathways in Illinois:
- Entry Level: Financial Analyst ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Analyst ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Finance Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Finance
- Certifications: CFA, FRM