Old Main

Old Main is the central administrative building on campus. Most notably it houses the Admission Welcome Center, the Office of Financial Aid, the Registrar, and the Alumni Office. Old Main was built in 1870 when the college moved from Plainfield to Naperville.

Media Gallery

See Yourself at North Central College

North Central College from the sky

North Central College // Brand Anthem

First Generation students working together in the resource center

Admissions and Financial Aid

Cardinal First

⭐ Admissions and Financial Aid

We're so excited you're interested in North Central College and everything we have to offer. We know the application process can seem overwhelming, so we want to make it as easy as possible.

Transfer Admission

Whether you’re transferring from a two-year school or another four-year college or university, at North Central College you’ll find a supportive community where everyone shares an interest in your success. It’s a place where you have the chance to grow, learn and put your classroom learning into real-life action. Apply here:

Freshman Admission

You may apply for admission throughout the year, although we encourage you to do so in the fall of your senior year. We review applications on a rolling basis. Once we have your complete file for admission, you’ll hear from your admission counselor in two to three weeks. Apply here:

International Admission

North Central makes admission decisions on a rolling basis starting on October 1 for the next academic year. While there is no set deadline, we recommend the following priority deadlines for full consideration and to allow time for visa processing:

May 1 - for the semester beginning in August
October 1 - for the semester beginning in January.
Our academic year calendar consists of two semesters, and you can start your program in August or January. Most new students begin in August.

Apply here:

⭐ Cardinal First

North Central is nationally recognized as a leader in first-generation programming and student success. Cardinal First received the 2018 Grand Silver Excellence Award and Gold Excellence Award from NASPA, an international professional organization for Student Affairs. Cardinal First was the subject on a 2019 feature on National Public Radio (NPR) in honor of National First-Gen Celebration Day. Our program was also featured in a 2020 University Business op ed article. We think that recognition is great- but our greatest accomplishment is ensuring you exceed your personal best both at North Central and in life.

Mission

The mission of Cardinal First is to provide a supportive and welcoming community for first-generation college students and their families, a campus culture that recognizes and celebrates first-generation student identity as an asset, and a program that intentionally connects first-generation students to faculty, resources, information and experiences that promote academic and personal success from enrollment through graduation.

Learn more here