North Park University
Chicago, Illinois
Founded in 1891, North Park University prides itself on its deep Christian roots and its commitment to providing a world-class education in the liberal arts, professional studies, and theology. North Park’s location in Chicago offers students a unique opportunity to learn, serve, and develop their faith in an increasingly diverse community.
Get to know North Park University
College Highlights
FOUNDATION OF EXCELLENCE
North Park believes in the power of a solid foundation, which is the core curriculum is comprised of a significant number of vital courses. The core curriculum incorporates the natural world, arts, culture, and Christian faith.
The Cornerstone Seminar, a pillar of the curriculum, is designed to emphasize critical thinking while enhancing skills in written communication. Other classes include modern language, Bible studies, mathematics, and global histories.
“The strong liberal arts focus at North Park meant I took a much broader set of courses than most my colleagues.” – Jonathan Almer C’91
CRUX
Crux is a living-learning cohort in which first-year students are inspired to develop their identity in Christ while experiencing the city. Coursework, experiential learning, mentorship, and discipleship training comprise the Crux experience, earning students college credit while living and learning within an on-campus cohort. They also complete multiple service projects to further develop a life of community engagement.
SUMMER RESEARCH
NPU offers a summer program partnership in which faculty and students propose a research project to take place throughout the summer. Students who participate are paid for a full-time job while also receiving on-campus housing. After a summer of scholarship alongside a faculty mentor, these researchers are then able to present their findings to the community.
STUDY ABROAD
Students can take advantage of 300+ programs in over 50 countries to broaden their cultural and intellectual horizons.
HONORS CONGRESS
Exceptional students who seek to get more from their college experience are encouraged to apply to North Park’s honors program. Honors Congress incorporates both classroom and co-curricular activities during all four years of study, challenging students to take risks, deepen their faith, and provide dedicated service to their community. Honors Congress members graduate with a comprehensive list of classes and experiences that will have prepared them for successful lives and careers.
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 6%
Hispanic/Latinx: 32%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 10%
White, non-Hispanic: 36%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 10%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 3%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 3%
“I explored a lot of economic theories at the University. This is a wonderful institution where I made friends for life including professors who have become my mentors.” – Jorge Ortiz C’17
FIRST-YEAR COMPASS
North Park’s COMPASS program helps first-year students get all their “firsts” under their belt. The nine-day program prepares students through academics, awareness, and assessment. Students will be introduced to the university’s academic expectations and campus resources as well as how to maintain healthy peer relationships and develop multicultural awareness.
CORE CURRICULUM
NPU’s Core Curriculum is woven into each student’s academic career so that everyone may address human engagement, the arts, culture, and faith. The NPU Core is designed to graduate students who are “adaptive, creative, and critical thinkers”—the kind of people employers are looking for. The Core includes Foundations (basic literacies, skills, values), Explorations (finding connections across disciplines), and Keystone (connecting Foundations and Explorations) courses.
CATALYST 606
Through Catalyst 606, North Park University provides unique outlets through which to promote hands-on learning, community engagement, and real-world engagement. Those who participate can take afternoon courses that require them to use the city of Chicago as their classroom, applying the theory they learn in the classroom to real problems affecting the Chicago community. From the arts to business, every student has a Catalyst 606 opportunity.
WRITING-INTENSIVE COURSES
Every North Park student, regardless of major, is required to succeed in a writing-intensive curriculum. At every stage of one’s academic career, written communication skills are integrated into their coursework to ensure that they are confident and effective in the way they present their ideas.
A key mission of North Park University is to support and guide students to be their best, whole self. North Park University believes that life outside the classroom is an equally important part of the college experience. The division of student engagement is made up of offices, resources, and experiences to make sure North Park students are making the most of their time on and off campus.
“What really shaped me were my experiences outside the classroom and around the world.” – Jamey Lundblad C’95
FIRST-GENERATION COHORT
The Lighthouse Cohort Program is an annual scholarship program for first-generation college students that invites a cohort of ten first-year, first-generation students to take part in academic, social, and service events alongside each other and their dedicated faculty. This program is a four-year commitment that supports students in the cohort through regular meetings and events throughout their college career.
OFFICE OF DIVERSITY
NPU’s Office of Diversity works with cultural clubs and student success programs to promote inclusion and tolerance.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Students can participate in a variety of student run organizations. Wherever a student’s passions lie, there is a club or organization in which they can do what they love alongside others who are just as enthusiastic as them.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
North Park University believes student involvement in university affairs is not only wonderful, but essential. Students are encouraged to participate in SGA to make sure their voices are heard as decisions are made for their community.
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES BOARD (CAB)
Another way North Park sustains a vibrant campus is through the Campus Activities Board. CAB coordinates campus-wide events and programs that foster a sense of community across the student body. CAB makes extra efforts to expose students to experience Chicago’s rich cultural scene with such opportunities as professional sports, world-class plays, and Broadway shows.
SCHOOL LOCATION
An integral part of the North Park experience is derived from its location in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. At North Park, the city of Chicago is at students’ fingertips. Located in the growingly diverse zip code 60625, NPU offers students the chance to learn and appreciate the nuances of the world’s people. Students will meet all walks of life; over 40 languages are spoken in the the North Park neighborhood alone!
ATHLETICS
The North Park Vikings compete in NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics. Men can choose from baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, and track and field. Women can participate in basketball, cross country, rowing, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
INTRAMURAL SPORTS
Students who are looking for an informal way to play their favorite sport, meet new people, stay active, or all the above are welcome to join the may intramural sports teams on campus.
KEYSTONE COURSES
As part of their Core Curriculum, Junior and Senior North Park students enroll in Keystone Courses, which are designed to help them direct what they have studied to their future goals. Whether they plan to pursue a job or graduate studies, the Keystone Courses connect their intellect, passion, and service in pursuit of a meaningful and inspired future.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
NPU knows that it’s critical for Career Development to engage students as early as possible. At orientation and through students’ first semester, North Park familiarizes students with the Career Development Center’s offerings and how they can make it a regular resource for their academic careers. Resources include résumé building, mock interviews, portfolio creation, professional networking, and more.
North Park boasts some impressive facts about success after commencement:
- 88% of 2016 graduates credited the Career Development and Internships Office with securing employment.
- 92% of North Park grads are employed two years after graduation, with a median income above the national average.
- 34,000 alumni in 54 countries.
- 120+ credit bearing internships.
NOTABLE NORTH PARK ALUMNI
Jorge Ortiz C’17: Ortiz secured a full-time position as business developer executive at North Side Federal Credit Union just two weeks after commencement.
Jonathan Almer C’91: Almer is a physicist at Argonne National Laboratory where he oversees the operation of the Advanced Photon Source, a sophisticated X-ray machine currently being used to examine a mummy believed to be the body of a five-year old Egyptian girl.
An Tran C’14: After receiving his BA in music from North Park, Tran was one of two applicants accepted into Yale’s prestigious graduate guitar program.
Admission
TEST SCORES
Optional
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 460 | 75th Percentile: 560
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 480 | 75th Percentile: 562
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 19 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 26
ACT English
25th Percentile: 19 | 75th Percentile: 25
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $31,430
Fees: $670
Room: $5,010
Board: $5,250
What Others are Saying
Contact North Park University
Contact Admissions
www.northpark.edu/admissions-aid
(800) 888-6728
admissions@northpark.edu
Campus Location
3225 West Foster Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 244-6200