North Park University is a private Christian university in Chicago, Illinois, ranked #54 in the Regional Universities Midwest category by US News Best Colleges 2026-2027. Founded in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church, the 33-acre campus sits in the North Park neighbourhood on the city’s north side. The university offers over 40 undergraduate and 20 graduate programs across business, education, nursing, counselling, music and theology, all delivered in English. Fall and Spring intakes stay open to international applicants each year, with roughly 300 students from over 50 countries currently enrolled. Popular graduate choices for Indian students include the MBA, MA in Clinical Mental Health Counselling, and MSN Family Nurse Practitioner.
- Ranking: #54 in US News Regional Universities Midwest 2026-2027
- Acceptance rate: 68% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- PG tuition (per credit hour): USD 665 to USD 1,000 (INR 62,843 to INR 94,500)
- International student body: 300+ students from 50+ countries
- Application: Rolling admissions with no fixed close date
Also Check: MS universities in USA
Tuition is charged per credit hour by programme, with alumni receiving a 20% tuition reduction and music graduate students eligible for 10% to 35% scholarships. Indian applicants complete the F-1 student visa process after receiving the I-20, budget USD 200 as tuition deposit, and plan for Chicago living costs alongside tuition.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). North Park University runs rolling admissions with no fixed close date, so Indian applicants targeting the January 2027 start should submit files by November 2026 to allow I-20 processing and F-1 visa scheduling. The Fall 2027 cycle is expected to open October 2026 on a rolling basis, again with no fixed close date. Credential evaluations through WES or ECE add roughly four to six weeks and should be initiated first.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at North Park University 2027
- North Park University Admission 2027
- North Park University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- North Park University Acceptance Rate 2027
- North Park Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- North Park University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- North Park University Scholarships 2027
- North Park University Rankings 2027
- North Park University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- North Park University vs Peer Universities
- North Park University FAQs
Popular Courses at North Park University Fees 2027
North Park University charges graduate tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, so total programme cost depends on the concentration and credit load. Per-credit rates range from USD 665 for education degrees to USD 1,000 for the Master of Music in Performance. A comprehensive fee of USD 16 per credit hour applies across most programmes.
Top 10 PG Programmes at North Park University 2027
Total tuition estimates below assume standard credit loads published on each programme page. Nursing and counselling programmes carry the highest totals because of licensure credit requirements. As per the official graduate cost page, per-credit rates are fixed for the academic year.
| Programme | Total fee (USD) | Total fee (INR lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 35,200 (estimated, 40 credits) | 33.3 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended); TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5 |
| MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 51,600 (60 credits) | 48.8 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended); TOEFL 90, IELTS 6.5 |
| MSN Family Nurse Practitioner | 46,250 (estimated, 50 credits) | 43.7 lakh (estimated) | BSN with 55% plus RN license (recommended); TOEFL 90, IELTS 6.5 |
| MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP | 44,400 (estimated, 48 credits) | 42.0 lakh (estimated) | BSN with 55% plus RN license (recommended); TOEFL 90, IELTS 6.5 |
| Direct Entry MSN | 55,500 (estimated, 60 credits) | 52.4 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s (any field) with 55% (recommended); TOEFL 90, IELTS 6.5 |
| DNP Executive Leadership | 28,380 (33 credits) | 26.8 lakh | MSN required with 55% (recommended); TOEFL 100, IELTS 6.5 |
| MA in Education | 19,950 (30 credits) | 18.9 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended); TOEFL 90, IELTS 6.5 |
| MA Educational Leadership (Principal) | 21,945 (33 credits) | 20.7 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% plus teaching context (recommended); TOEFL 90, IELTS 6.5 |
| MA Literacy, Language and Culture | 19,950 (30 credits) | 18.9 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended); TOEFL 90, IELTS 6.5 |
| MSN Leadership and Management | 22,308 (estimated, 33 credits) | 21.1 lakh (estimated) | BSN with 55% plus RN license (recommended); TOEFL 90, IELTS 6.5 |
[Source: North Park University official graduate cost page, September 2026]
Top 5 UG Programmes at North Park Fees 2027
Undergraduate tuition is charged as a flat annual rate for full-time enrolment, covering 12 to 18 credit hours per semester. Indian first-year applicants should confirm the exact 2026-2027 rate on the official page.
| Programme | Total fee (USD) | Total fee (INR lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA Business and Economics | 139,400 (estimated, 4 years) | 131.7 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended); TOEFL 68, IELTS 6.0 |
| BS Nursing (BSN) | 139,400 (estimated, 4 years) | 131.7 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 Science with 70% to 85% (recommended); TOEFL 68, IELTS 6.0 |
| BA Biology | 139,400 (estimated, 4 years) | 131.7 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 Science with 65% to 80% (recommended); TOEFL 68, IELTS 6.0 |
| BA Computer Science | 139,400 (estimated, 4 years) | 131.7 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended); TOEFL 68, IELTS 6.0 |
| BA Psychology | 139,400 (estimated, 4 years) | 131.7 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 60% to 75% (recommended); TOEFL 68, IELTS 6.0 |
Insider note: Indian applicants most often choose the MBA, MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MSN Family Nurse Practitioner because these programmes carry the strongest post-degree work pathways in Chicago.
Read More: North Park University Fees and Cost of Living Guide
North Park University Admission 2027
North Park University admission for Indian students runs on a rolling basis with two intakes per year: Fall in August and Spring in January. Applicants are advised to submit files at least 12 weeks before the intended start date to leave time for I-20 issuance and F-1 visa scheduling.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 application (rolling) | Recommended submission by November 2026 | No fixed deadline; earlier files clear I-20 sooner |
| Fall 2027 application (rolling) | Expected to open October 2026, no fixed close date | Priority scholarship review favours applicants who apply by April 2027 |
| Credential verification (WES or ECE) | Start 6 weeks before submission | Course-by-course evaluation is standard for graduate files |
| Spring 2027 programme start | January 2027 | Orientation for international students in the preceding week |
| Fall 2027 programme start | August 2027 | Primary intake for MBA, MSN and MA CMHC |
Planning note: Book the F-1 visa slot at the US Consulate immediately after the I-20 is issued, since Delhi and Mumbai wait times can stretch to eight weeks during the summer for Fall entry.
Read More: North Park University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
North Park University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Requirements at North Park University differ by degree level, with graduate programmes carrying the highest English and academic bars.
- PG academic: Bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university with 55% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended); MBA looks for a minimum GPA of 2.75/4.0 in the last four years of study.
- PG English tests: TOEFL iBT 80 (0-120 legacy scale) for MBA, 90 for other masters, 100 for doctoral; IELTS 6.5 across masters and doctoral. No band below 5.0 accepted.
- Credential evaluation: Course-by-course report from WES or ECE for all Indian transcripts.
- UG academic: Class 12 with 60% to 80% depending on the intended major (recommended).
- UG English tests: TOEFL iBT 68 or IELTS 6.0, verbatim from the English Language Proficiency page.
Key insight: Applicants who fall short on English may still be admitted conditionally and take ESL courses in their first semester at North Park University until the proficiency bar is cleared.
North Park University Acceptance Rate 2027
The North Park University acceptance rate is 68% (estimated) based on the latest US News admissions data, which places it among the more accessible private universities in the Midwest. The figure covers all undergraduate applicants and is not disclosed separately for international or graduate applicants.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 68% (estimated) | Stable |
| 2025 | 68% (estimated) | Stable |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026-2027]
Indian applicants with a well-rounded profile, competitive TOEFL or IELTS scores, and a Class 12 aggregate above 70% enter the admission pool with a strong chance. Rolling review means the earliest complete files tend to see faster decisions.
Reality check: A 68% acceptance rate is generous by US standards, but Indian applicants still need matching English scores and verified transcripts before the file is even reviewed.
Read More: North Park University Acceptance Rate
North Park Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost at North Park University for an Indian graduate student sits between USD 35,000 and USD 55,000 (INR 33.1 to 52.0 lakh), combining tuition with Chicago living expenses. Undergraduate students should budget higher because tuition is billed as a flat annual rate.
North Park Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Graduate tuition is per credit hour, so annual load determines annual outlay. Undergraduate rates are billed per semester at a flat rate.
| Level | Annual Tuition (USD) | Annual Tuition (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (flat) | 34,000 to 35,000 (estimated) | 32.1 to 33.1 lakh (estimated) |
| MBA (24 credits/year) | 21,120 | 19.9 lakh |
| MA Education (24 credits/year) | 15,960 | 15.1 lakh |
| MSN FNP (24 credits/year) | 22,200 | 21.0 lakh |
| MA CMHC (20 credits/year) | 17,200 | 16.3 lakh |
Monthly Cost of Living in Chicago for Indian Students
Chicago living costs sit in the mid-tier for US metros. Indian students who choose on-campus housing at North Park keep the accommodation line predictable.
| Item | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (on-campus double) | 900 to 1,200 (estimated) | 0.85 to 1.13 lakh (estimated) |
| Food and groceries | 400 to 550 (estimated) | 0.38 to 0.52 lakh (estimated) |
| Transportation (CTA U-Pass) | 75 to 100 (estimated) | 0.07 to 0.09 lakh (estimated) |
| Books and supplies | 80 to 100 (estimated) | 0.08 to 0.09 lakh (estimated) |
| Personal and utilities | 200 to 300 (estimated) | 0.19 to 0.28 lakh (estimated) |
| Total monthly | 1,655 to 2,250 (estimated) | 1.56 to 2.13 lakh (estimated) |
| Total annual | 19,860 to 27,000 (estimated) | 18.8 to 25.5 lakh (estimated) |
[Source: Chicago metro cost estimates for international students, September 2026]
Insider note: One-bedroom apartments near the campus in Albany Park and Lincoln Square rent between USD 1,100 and USD 1,500 (INR 1.04 to 1.42 lakh) per month, so most first-year international students share housing to keep costs closer to the on-campus range.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
North Park University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The North Park University campus is a 33-acre urban site in the North Park neighbourhood on Chicago’s north side, roughly 30 minutes from the Loop by CTA train.
- Location and transit: Situated at 3225 W. Foster Ave, with CTA bus routes and Brown Line access into downtown Chicago.
- Housing: On-campus residence halls carry 294 dorm rooms plus 162 Chicago-style apartments; housing is not guaranteed for graduate students.
- Facilities: The Brandel Library, Helwig Recreation Center, Carlson Tower classroom block and the Anderson Chapel anchor academic and residential life.
- Indian community: Small but growing, with international students representing 4% of enrolment and 28 student associations open to all, including cultural clubs.
What Indian students say: The class sizes stay small even for popular MBA and MSN cohorts, and faculty office hours are easy to access. The Christian heritage shows in campus culture, but classes and admissions do not require a faith commitment.
North Park University Scholarships 2027
North Park University offers a mix of merit awards for international undergraduates and tuition discounts for select graduate cohorts. Indian applicants become eligible automatically once the admission file is complete.
| Scholarship | Type | Award value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International First-Year Scholarship | Merit, undergraduate | USD 5,000 to 7,000/year (INR 4.7 to 6.6 lakh) | New international first-year students with strong academics | Automatic on admission |
| International Transfer Scholarship | Merit, undergraduate | USD 1,500 to 7,000/year (INR 1.4 to 6.6 lakh) | International transfer students | Automatic on admission |
| Nyvall Presidential Scholarship | Merit, undergraduate | USD 5,000 to 22,000/year (INR 4.7 to 20.8 lakh) | Top academic profiles; interview required | Verify at official page |
| Alumni Grant | Graduate tuition discount | 20% tuition reduction | North Park University alumni entering a graduate programme | Rolling |
| Graduate Music Scholarship | Talent-based | 10% to 35% tuition reduction | Master of Music applicants; audition required | Rolling |
[Source: North Park University Financial Aid and International Admissions pages]
Planning note: The undergraduate scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years or until graduation, but only if the student maintains the GPA threshold set at award time.
Read More: North Park University Scholarships Guide
North Park University Rankings 2027
North Park University is a teaching-focused regional university, so its strongest ranking sits in the US News regional table rather than global lists. As per US News Best Colleges 2026-2027, it holds #54 in Regional Universities Midwest.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Regional Universities Midwest | 2026-2027: #54 | 2025-2026: #56 | 2024-2025: #58 |
| QS World University Rankings | 2027: Not ranked | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked |
| THE World University Rankings | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked | 2024: Not ranked |
| ARWU Shanghai | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked | 2024: Not ranked |
[Source: US News, QS, THE, ARWU]
Key insight: For Indian applicants, a US News regional rank still counts for F-1 visa and OPT eligibility, and Chicago-area employers recognise North Park University for its nursing, counselling and MBA graduates.
Read More: North Park University Rankings Analysis
North Park University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
North Park University does not publish a central campus placement report; career outcomes are tracked programme by programme with support from the Career Development and Internships office.
- Employment rate: Not officially disclosed; nursing and counselling graduates typically clear licensure exams and enter Chicago-area healthcare roles within six months.
- Median MBA starting salary: USD 65,000 to 78,000 (INR 61.4 to 73.7 lakh) based on Chicago-area market medians for regional MBA graduates.
- Nursing outcomes: MSN FNP and DNP graduates work across Swedish Hospital, Advocate and Northwestern Medicine networks in the Chicago metro.
- Post-study work: Indian graduates qualify for 12 months of OPT post-completion; STEM-designated programmes add a 24-month extension for a total of 36 months.
- Career support: One-to-one advising, resume review, employer information sessions and an online job board through Handshake.
Insider note: Indian graduates in counselling and social work often stay in Chicago because Illinois licensure requirements align with the North Park University MA CMHC curriculum.
North Park University vs Peer Universities
Peer set here spans Chicago-area private universities offering similar graduate and undergraduate portfolios at the regional tier.
| University | US News Rank 2026-2027 | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD / INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Park University | #54 Regional Midwest | 17,000 to 22,000 / 16.1 to 20.8 lakh | Rolling admissions, small counselling and MSN cohorts |
| Loyola University Chicago | #136 National | 25,000 to 38,000 / 23.6 to 35.9 lakh | Jesuit research university, stronger STEM depth |
| DePaul University | #177 National | 22,000 to 34,000 / 20.8 to 32.1 lakh | Largest Catholic university in the US, downtown Loop campus |
| Roosevelt University | #78 Regional Midwest | 21,000 to 30,000 / 19.8 to 28.4 lakh | Michigan Avenue location, performing arts strength |
| Concordia University Chicago | #95 Regional Midwest | 16,000 to 24,000 / 15.1 to 22.7 lakh | Comparable Christian identity, teacher-education focus |
North Park University sits in the sweet spot for Indian applicants who want a smaller Chicago-area campus, moderate tuition and rolling review. It is not the pick for anyone chasing global research prestige.
North Park University fits Indian applicants who want an English-taught degree in Chicago at a mid-range total investment of USD 55,000 to 75,000 (INR 52.0 to 70.9 lakh) for a two-year masters, against Chicago-area median starting salaries near USD 70,000. The F-1 visa pathway combined with OPT (and 36 months for STEM designations) is the strongest Indian-specific advantage, alongside rolling admissions that let applicants avoid a single hard deadline.
It is not the right fit for applicants targeting a top-100 global research university or STEM programmes ranked internationally. Those candidates should compare Loyola University Chicago or the University of Illinois Chicago, both of which carry deeper research infrastructure and larger STEM catalogues.
North Park University FAQs
Ques. What is the application fee for North Park University for Indian applicants?
Ans. North Park University charges a modest application fee of around USD 25 (INR 2,363) for both undergraduate and graduate international applications, submitted through the university portal or Common App. The fee is non-refundable and payable online by international credit card. Fee waivers are considered case by case for demonstrated financial need, particularly for graduate MBA applicants who apply during priority scholarship windows.
Ques. Does North Park University accept the Duolingo English Test?
Ans. The published English proficiency page at North Park University lists TOEFL iBT and IELTS as the primary accepted tests, with minimum scores set by degree level. Duolingo is not confirmed on the university’s English Language Proficiency Requirement page, so Indian applicants should plan for TOEFL 80 to 100 or IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 depending on the programme. Confirm the current test list with international admissions before booking.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at North Park University?
Ans. Yes, F-1 visa holders at North Park University can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during term and 40 hours per week during breaks. Off-campus work needs Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training authorisation and cannot begin in the first academic year. Common on-campus roles include library assistant, dining services and research assistant positions in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Ques. Does the MBA at North Park University waive GMAT or GRE for Indian applicants?
Ans. The North Park University MBA does not require GMAT or GRE for admission. Instead, applicants submit a bachelor’s transcript with a minimum GPA of 2.75/4.0 in the last four years of study, along with a resume, personal statement and two recommendations. Indian applicants with strong professional experience of three years or more receive additional weight during the admissions review.
Ques. What financial proof does North Park University need for the I-20?
Ans. North Park University issues the I-20 only after Indian applicants submit certified bank statements showing enough funds to cover one full academic year of tuition plus living costs, typically USD 45,000 to 55,000 (INR 42.5 to 52.0 lakh). Sponsors must sign the Affidavit of Financial Support. Education loan sanction letters from Indian banks and NBFCs, including SBI and HDFC Credila, are accepted alongside personal or family bank statements.
Ques. How does North Park University verify Indian transcripts?
Ans. Indian transcripts must be evaluated by an approved credential evaluation service, most commonly WES or ECE, before North Park University accepts them for graduate admission. The evaluation converts the Indian percentage or CGPA into a US 4.0 GPA equivalent and confirms degree recognition. Applicants should order a course-by-course evaluation and allow four to six weeks for the report to reach the admissions office.
Ques. Are conditional offers available at North Park University for Indian students?
Ans. Yes, North Park University issues conditional admission to Indian applicants who meet the academic bar but fall short on TOEFL or IELTS scores. Conditionally admitted students take English as a Second Language coursework in their first semester alongside a reduced degree load, then continue full enrolment once the proficiency requirement is met. This pathway is common for master’s applicants whose IELTS sits between 5.5 and 6.0.
Ques. Which Indian banks recognise North Park University for education loans?
Ans. North Park University is on the approved international university lists at major Indian lenders including State Bank of India, HDFC Credila, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Avanse and Auxilo. Indian applicants can secure secured loans of up to INR 1.5 crore and unsecured loans up to INR 50 lakh depending on co-applicant income. The I-20 and admission letter are needed at loan disbursement, so sequence the loan application after admission decision.
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North Park University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claes Isacson Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeNeed-Based | |
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
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North Park University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.northpark.edu/Admissions/Undergraduate-Admissions/Apply
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
North Park University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1334 | 1234 | 100 | - |
Comments
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Your old IELTS score does not exceed the minimum required North Park University MBA score. You need to appear for IELTS again and have to score 6.5 or above for admission.