North Park University: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

North Park University [NPU]: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Chicago, IllinoisLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1891established year
2937enrollment
NCA
Private (Not for Profit)
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Study Abroad Team

Updated on - Sep 10, 2026

North Park University is a private Christian university founded in 1891 in North Park, Chicago, Illinois. The 33-acre campus is ranked #54 among Regional Universities Midwest (four-year Midwest campuses focused on undergraduate teaching), as per US News Best Colleges 2026.

The university runs 100+ undergraduate, graduate and professional programmes across seven schools, all taught in English. North Park enrols 2,927 students including candidates from 42 countries, with three intakes a year for applicants who plan to study in USA. Nursing, MBA, Education, Music and Theology draw the largest Indian graduate cohorts.

  • Ranking: #54 US News Regional Universities Midwest 2026; #6 US News Top Performers on Social Mobility 2026
  • Acceptance Rate: 48% (estimated from Fall 2023 official data)
  • Intakes: Fall (August), Spring (January) and Summer (May)
  • Undergraduate Tuition: USD 39,000 per year (INR 36.9 lakh)
  • International Community: Students from 42 countries across seven schools
  • Post-Study Work: 12 months OPT plus a 24-month STEM extension for eligible programmes

Also Check: MS Universities in USA

Merit scholarships worth USD 15,000 to USD 23,000 auto-consider every admitted first-year, cutting sticker fees for strong Indian applicants. Graduates access 12 months of Optional Practical Training with a 24-month extension for STEM degrees on an F-1 student visa. Detailed monthly expenses sit inside the Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students guide.

Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026

Admission Status: Closing Soon (Spring 2027 intake). The Spring 2027 international application is Expected to close 1 October 2026 (based on the prior cycle), roughly three weeks from today. The next cycle, for Fall 2027 entry, opened 1 September 2026 and is Expected to close 1 June 2027 (based on the prior cycle) on a rolling basis. Verify current dates on the North Park University international admissions page before you submit.


Popular Courses and Fees at North Park University 2027

North Park University charges undergraduate tuition on an annual flat rate and graduate tuition per credit hour. Undergraduate programmes run four years at USD 39,000 per year and postgraduate programmes span 30 to 60 credit hours depending on the discipline. All fees below are for the 2026-27 academic year and revised each summer.

Top 10 Postgraduate Programmes at North Park

Master’s totals below multiply the per-credit rate (plus the USD 16 comprehensive fee) by the typical credit load; final billing depends on your course selection each semester.

ProgramTotal Fee (USD)Total Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
Master of Business Administration (MBA)USD 37,632 (estimated, 42 credits)INR 35.6 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MS Nursing (Adult-Gerontology NP)USD 42,345 (estimated, 45 credits)INR 40.0 lakh (estimated)BSc Nursing with active RN licence (recommended)
Direct Entry MS Nursing (DEMSN)USD 56,460 (estimated, 60 credits)INR 53.4 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in any field with 60% (recommended)
MS Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)USD 42,345 (estimated, 45 credits)INR 40.0 lakh (estimated)BSc Nursing with active RN licence (recommended)
MS Nursing (Leadership and Management)USD 24,912 (estimated, 36 credits)INR 23.5 lakh (estimated)BSc Nursing with 55% (recommended)
MA in EducationUSD 20,430 (estimated, 30 credits)INR 19.3 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MA in TeachingUSD 24,516 (estimated, 36 credits)INR 23.2 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
MA in Clinical Mental Health CounsellingUSD 52,560 (estimated, 60 credits)INR 49.7 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in Psychology or related field, 60% (recommended)
Master of Music (Collaborative Piano)USD 36,576 (estimated, 36 credits)INR 34.6 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in Music plus audition (recommended)
MS Athletic TrainingUSD 26,676 (estimated, 36 credits)INR 25.2 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in Kinesiology or related, 60% (recommended)

Top 5 Undergraduate Programmes at North Park

Every undergraduate major at North Park is billed the same annual flat tuition of USD 39,000, covering 12 to 17 credit hours per semester. Programmes are four years long, so the tuition figure below reflects the full degree.

ProgramTotal Fee (USD)Total Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
BS EconomicsUSD 156,000 (4 years)INR 147.4 lakhClass 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended)
BA MarketingUSD 156,000 (4 years)INR 147.4 lakhClass 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended)
BA Graphic DesignUSD 156,000 (4 years)INR 147.4 lakhClass 12 with 65% plus portfolio (recommended)
BS Athletic TrainingUSD 156,000 (4 years)INR 147.4 lakhClass 12 Science with 70% (recommended)
BA Criminal JusticeUSD 156,000 (4 years)INR 147.4 lakhClass 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended)

Insider note: Indian graduate applicants overwhelmingly choose the Direct Entry MSN and MBA tracks at North Park. Nursing routes lead to NCLEX-RN licensure, while the MBA sits in downtown-adjacent Chicago with access to Fortune 500 recruiters.

Read More: North Park University Fees and Programs Guide


North Park University Admission 2027

North Park University admission for Indian applicants runs three intakes each year, with the largest cohort joining in Fall. This section covers the near-term deadlines, credential verification lead time and programme start dates; the full step-by-step guide sits in the linked Admissions silo.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
Spring 2027 international deadlineExpected 1 October 2026 (based on prior cycle)Roughly three weeks from today; rush credential verification
Fall 2027 international deadline (rolling)Expected 1 June 2027 (based on prior cycle)Applications opened 1 September 2026; apply by January for housing
Credential verification (WES or ECE)Start 8 to 10 weeks before your deadlineOrder attested transcripts from your board or university early
Fall 2027 programme startLate August 2027Move-in for on-campus residents is typically the third week of August

Planning note: North Park charges no application fee for international candidates, which lets Indian students apply alongside two or three peer schools without extra cost. Budget WES evaluation fees separately at roughly USD 220 per report.

Read More: North Park University Admissions Guide for Indian Students


North Park University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

North Park sets straightforward thresholds for Indian applicants, with the English test being the single most common bottleneck.

Postgraduate Requirements

  • Academic: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with minimum 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); MBA and clinical programmes prefer 60%
  • English Test: TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5 for MBA; TOEFL iBT 90 or IELTS 6.5 for other master’s; TOEFL iBT 100 or IELTS 7.0 for doctoral programmes
  • Credential Verification: Official transcripts required; WES or ECE evaluation is the norm for Indian degrees
  • Supporting Documents: Statement of purpose, two academic recommendations, financial affidavit with six months of bank statements

Undergraduate Requirements

  • Academic: Class 12 completion with 65% to 80% (recommended); a GPA equivalent of 2.5 or higher unlocks scholarship consideration
  • English Test: TOEFL iBT 68 minimum with at least 15 in each sub-score, or IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.0
  • Financials: Bank statement covering six months of deposits plus a signed financial affidavit of support

Key insight: As per the North Park English Proficiency Requirements page, applicants below the minimum can still gain conditional admission tied to intensive ESL coursework. Duolingo and PTE scores are not listed as accepted tests, so Indian applicants should plan for TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic.


North Park University Acceptance Rate 2027

The North Park University acceptance rate sits at 48% (estimated) based on Fall 2023 official enrolment data. The university received 4,435 applications that year and admitted roughly half, which places North Park in the moderately selective band for US Regional Midwest universities.

YearAcceptance RateTrend
Fall 202348% (official)Baseline
Fall 2024 to Fall 2026Not publicly disclosedVerify at official page

Nursing and clinical counselling routes stay tighter than the university-wide figure, especially the Direct Entry MSN. Undergraduate acceptance runs looser than graduate acceptance across most departments.

Reality check: A 48% headline acceptance rate looks accessible, but Indian applicants still need clean transcripts, a passing English score and financial documentation. Missing documents (not weak grades) are the leading reason Indian files stall at North Park.

Read More: North Park University Acceptance Rate


North Park Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027

An Indian undergraduate at North Park should budget USD 56,100 to USD 58,000 per year (INR 53.0 to 54.8 lakh) covering tuition and on-campus living, as per the North Park Cost of Attendance 2026-27. Postgraduate students pay per credit hour, taking most master’s totals to between USD 20,000 and USD 55,000 (INR 18.9 to 52.0 lakh).

North Park Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027

Undergraduate tuition is a flat annual rate, while graduate tuition varies by school. Fees revise each summer, so lock the current figure before you deposit.

Programme LevelAnnual Tuition (USD)Annual Tuition (INR lakh)
Undergraduate (all majors, 12 to 17 credits per semester)USD 39,000INR 36.9 lakh
MBA (per credit hour)USD 880 per credit hourINR 0.83 lakh per credit hour
MSN Nurse Practitioner tracks (per credit hour)USD 925 per credit hourINR 0.87 lakh per credit hour
MA Education, Educational Leadership (per credit hour)USD 665 per credit hourINR 0.63 lakh per credit hour
MA Clinical Mental Health Counselling (per credit hour)USD 860 per credit hourINR 0.81 lakh per credit hour

[Source: North Park University Financial Aid Office, 2026-27]

Monthly Cost of Living in Chicago for Indian Students

The COL figures below use the North Park resident student estimate, spread evenly across a nine-month academic year.

CategoryMonthly (USD)Monthly (INR lakh)
Accommodation (on-campus dorm)USD 950INR 0.90 lakh
Food (meal plan)USD 350INR 0.33 lakh
Transportation (Chicago transit U-Pass)USD 25INR 0.02 lakh
Books and suppliesUSD 100INR 0.09 lakh
Personal expensesUSD 100INR 0.09 lakh
Total monthlyUSD 1,525INR 1.44 lakh
Annual total (nine-month term)USD 17,100INR 16.2 lakh

[Source: North Park University Cost of Attendance 2026-27]

Insider note: Off-campus one-bedroom apartments near the Foster Avenue campus run USD 1,100 to USD 1,600 per month, above the on-campus dorm rate. Sharing a two-bedroom with another Indian student typically halves the accommodation line.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students


North Park University Campus, Facilities and Student Life

North Park sits on a 33-acre urban campus in the North Park neighbourhood of Chicago, seven miles north of the downtown Loop.

  • Location and transit: Foster Avenue address with direct Chicago transit and Brown Line rail links; downtown reached in 30 minutes
  • Housing: 294 dorm rooms plus 162 Chicago-styled campus apartments; on-campus housing offered to all first-year residents
  • Signature facilities: Brandel Library, Helwig Recreation Center, Anderson Chapel and a dedicated music performance hall
  • Indian student community: International cohort spans 42 countries; Office of International Affairs supports F-1 immigration and orientation
  • Class experience: Average class size of 17 and a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, both above the Regional Midwest median

What Indian students say: Chicago winters need heavier gear than most Indian applicants expect, but North Park’s compact campus limits daily outdoor exposure. On-campus dining accommodates vegetarian and halal preferences on rotation. The Office of International Affairs runs weekly F-1 status check-ins during the first month.


North Park University Scholarships 2027

North Park runs an automatic merit review for every admitted first-year undergraduate, with named awards ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 23,000 per year. International students are eligible for the same merit ladder and for a discretionary International Student Grant on top.

ScholarshipTypeAward Value (USD / INR lakh)EligibilityDeadline
Nyvall ScholarshipMerit (automatic)USD 23,000 per year / INR 21.7 lakh per year3.9 GPA equivalent or higherSame as admission deadline
Presidential ScholarshipMerit (automatic)USD 21,000 per year / INR 19.8 lakh per year3.5 to 3.89 GPA equivalentSame as admission deadline
Provost’s ScholarshipMerit (automatic)USD 20,000 per year / INR 18.9 lakh per year3.0 to 3.49 GPA equivalentSame as admission deadline
North Park RecognitionMerit (automatic)USD 15,000 per year / INR 14.1 lakh per year2.5 to 2.99 GPA equivalentSame as admission deadline
Virginia E. Hahn MemorialProgramme-specificUSD 5,000 per year / INR 4.7 lakh per yearProspective history teachersSame as admission deadline

[Source: North Park University Academic Scholarships, 2026-27]

Postgraduate applicants can apply for talent-based awards in music, art, theatre and journalism, and the university adds an International Student Grant sized to each candidate’s financial affidavit. Award values for the graduate ladder are not publicly published; verify at the North Park graduate admissions office.

Planning note: Because merit awards are keyed to unweighted GPA equivalents, get your WES evaluation done before you apply. Applicants who submit official transcripts after review may miss the automatic scholarship consideration window.

Read More: North Park University Scholarships Guide


North Park University Rankings 2027

North Park’s strongest ranking sits inside the US News Best Colleges 2026 tables, where it holds #54 among Regional Universities Midwest and #6 among Top Performers on Social Mobility for the same region. The university is not indexed in the QS or THE world rankings, which lean toward large research universities.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionPrevious EditionTwo Editions Back
US News Regional Universities Midwest2026: #542023: #302022: #39
US News Best Value Regional Midwest2026: #25NANA
US News Top Performers Social Mobility (Regional Midwest)2026: #6NANA
QS WorldNot ranked in QS World 2027Not rankedNot ranked
THE WorldNot ranked in THE World 2026Not rankedNot ranked

[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026]

The Regional Midwest position dropped from #30 in 2023 to #54 in 2026, tracking a wider reshuffle after US News revised its methodology weighting. The Social Mobility rank matters for Indian applicants because it correlates with post-graduation salary lift for lower-income cohorts.

Key insight: Indian employers and US visa officers accept North Park’s regional accreditation for F-1 approvals and STEM OPT. The absence of a QS world rank does not affect degree recognition or US work eligibility.

Read More: North Park University Rankings Analysis


North Park University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

North Park’s Career Development and Internships office coordinates placements, with graduate outcomes strongest in Nursing, MBA and Education tracks.

  • Employment within six months: Not centrally disclosed at university level; individual departments publish tracker data
  • Median MBA starting salary: Not disclosed by North Park; Chicago-area business master’s medians run USD 68,000 to USD 85,000 (INR 64.3 to 80.3 lakh) as market median
  • Top hiring sectors: Healthcare (Nursing tracks), K-12 education, non-profit management, financial services, music and creative industries
  • Career support: One-on-one advising, mock interviews, industry mentor matching, Handshake job board access for all enrolled students
  • Post-study work: All eligible graduates access 12 months of OPT; STEM-designated programmes stretch to 36 months with the STEM extension

Insider note: Indian MSN graduates typically secure NCLEX-RN sponsorship at Chicago-area hospitals within four months of graduation. MBA graduates lean toward small and mid-market Chicago employers rather than bulge-bracket recruiters.

North Park University vs Peer Universities

The peer set below compares North Park with three other Chicago-area private universities that Indian applicants shortlist alongside it.

UniversityUS News 2026 PositionAvg Annual PG Fee (USD / INR lakh)Differentiator
North Park University#54 Regional MidwestUSD 20,000 to 43,000 / INR 18.9 to 40.6 lakhAuto-merit up to USD 23,000; small class size
Loyola University Chicago#151 National UniversitiesUSD 28,000 to 55,000 / INR 26.5 to 52.0 lakh (market median)Jesuit research university with medical school
DePaul University#151 National UniversitiesUSD 30,000 to 50,000 / INR 28.4 to 47.3 lakh (market median)Largest Catholic university in the US; strong business school
Elmhurst University#22 Regional MidwestUSD 22,000 to 40,000 / INR 20.8 to 37.8 lakh (market median)Suburban campus with nursing and CS focus

[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026]

North Park stands out for the automatic merit ladder that shaves USD 15,000 to USD 23,000 off sticker tuition for most Indian applicants. Its urban Chicago location and English-medium instruction match Loyola and DePaul, while the smaller enrolment produces a more intimate learning setup.

North Park University is a strong fit for Indian applicants seeking a private, faith-informed campus in Chicago with a moderate acceptance rate and stackable merit funding. Total four-year undergraduate investment of INR 216 lakh, offset against a market-median starting salary of INR 64 lakh, yields ROI recovery inside four working years for scholarship recipients using the F-1 to OPT pathway.

It is not the right pick if you need a research-heavy PhD environment or a globally ranked brand for consulting recruiters. In that case, look at Loyola University Chicago or DePaul, both of which appear in US News National University lists and carry deeper research infrastructure.


North Park University FAQs

Ques. Does North Park University accept the Duolingo English Test or PTE?

Ans. North Park’s official English Proficiency Requirements page lists only TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic as accepted tests, along with a DAAD English competency route for German exchange candidates. Duolingo English Test and PTE Academic are not named as accepted alternatives, so Indian applicants should plan for TOEFL iBT or IELTS. Verify at the international admissions page before you register for a test.

Ques. What is the application fee at North Park University for international applicants?

Ans. North Park charges no application fee for international undergraduate or graduate applicants who apply through the online portal or the Common Application. That saves Indian applicants roughly USD 75 per school compared with other US private universities. Budget instead for the WES or ECE credential evaluation, which runs about USD 220 per report.

Ques. Can Indian applicants get an English test waiver from North Park?

Ans. North Park does not publish an automatic waiver for Indian applicants who completed English-medium schooling. Candidates below the TOEFL or IELTS minimum can still gain conditional admission tied to intensive ESL coursework at the campus English Language Institute. Waivers based on prior US degree completion are considered case by case by the international admissions office.

Ques. Is North Park University STEM-designated for OPT extension eligibility?

Ans. STEM OPT eligibility at North Park depends on the specific programme’s CIP code, not the institution as a whole. Nursing, athletic training and select science tracks typically qualify for the 24-month STEM extension on top of the standard 12-month OPT. Confirm the CIP code with the Office of International Affairs before you deposit for any graduate programme.

Ques. Which credential evaluators does North Park University accept for Indian transcripts?

Ans. North Park accepts course-by-course evaluations from any NACES-member agency, with WES and ECE being the most commonly used by Indian applicants. The evaluation must be sent directly from the agency to the North Park admissions office. Order the WES evaluation at least eight to ten weeks before your application deadline to avoid processing delays.

Ques. What tuition and housing deposit does North Park charge F-1 visa students?

Ans. Admitted F-1 visa students pay a USD 200 tuition deposit and a USD 250 housing deposit before the I-20 is issued. Both amounts are credited to your first semester bill and are non-refundable if you defer or withdraw. Deposits open a slot for you at the SEVIS enrolment step and cannot be waived.

Ques. Can international students work part-time at North Park University Chicago?

Ans. F-1 students at North Park may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term and 40 hours per week during vacations. Off-campus employment is not permitted in the first academic year and requires curricular practical training authorisation afterwards. Popular on-campus roles include library assistant, dining services and Office of International Affairs support.

Ques. Does North Park University require GRE or GMAT for master’s admissions?

Ans. North Park generally does not require the GRE or GMAT for its MBA, MSN, MA Education or MA Counselling programmes. Admission decisions weigh the undergraduate transcript, English test score, statement of purpose and recommendations more heavily than standardised test scores. Some doctoral tracks may request a GRE score; confirm on the specific programme page.

Top Recommended Courses


2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: GMAT560|GRE309|IELTS6.5|TOEFL80
USD 40,200 /Yr

4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6|TOEFL80|PTE53|Duolingo105
USD 36,070 /Yr

Do you think the fees are wrong ?  Report Here

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL80
USD 29,100 /Yr
2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
USD 25,050 /Yr
4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6|TOEFL80|PTE53|Duolingo105
USD 36,070 /Yr

Do you think the fees are wrong ?  Report Here

North Park University Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
QS Connect Master’s ScholarshipScholarship per student$5,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
BL Mandhana ScholarshipsScholarship per student$10,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Go Clean ScholarshipScholarship per student$3,500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Business Administration ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Novus Biological Scholarship ProgramScholarship per student$1,500Level Of StudyAssociateTypeMerit-Based
Washington DC ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ?  Report Here

North Park University Admissions

  • 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)

North Park University Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Language Proficiency
TOEFL-80--
IELTS-6.5--
Undergraduate
SAT10951000119011
Check Detailed Score
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing545490600-
Mathematics550510590-
ACT22192487
Check Detailed Score
English211824-
Mathematics211724-

Attendance Cost

$36,070

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

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$36,070 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$25,050 / Year
On Campus
Books & Supplies
$1,000 / Year
On campus, Room & Board
$9,310 / Year
On Campus, Other Expenses
$2,500 / Year
Off Campus
Off campus (not with family), Room & Board
$9,310 / Year
Off campus (not with family), Other Expenses
$3,000 / Year
Off campus (with family), Room & Board
$2,100 / Year
Off campus (with family), Other Expenses
$3,000 / Year

North Park University Accreditations

Institutional accreditations
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Program wise accreditation
Music Programs
National Association of Schools of Music
Nursing Programs
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Theology Programs
Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
13341234100-

Comments


Found 1 Comment

S
solimjon usmanov
May 22, 2023 17:11
Hi my name is Solimjon Usmanov and i am from Uzbekistan. I have graduated my bachelores in Sejong University in Seoul, South Korea. My question is, do I have to pass any English tests such as IELTS or Duolingo? Or my old IELTS score 6 and international diploma is enough for applying for MBA?
A
Ashish Ramtari
May 26, 2023 12:53

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.


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