North Central College
NCC
Naperville, Illinois 60540
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business
North Central College is a private institution in Naperville with particular strength in business and psychology. With an average SAT of 1165, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 2.4K undergraduates with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
71% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $60,123 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $23,033.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History North Central College was founded in 1861 as "Plainfield College" in Plainfield, Illinois.
- •Classes were first held on November 11 of that year.
- •On February 15, 1864, the Board of Trustees changed the name of the school to "North-Western College".
- •The college moved to Naperville in 1870 and the name was again changed in 1926 to North Central College.
- •In June 2017, North Central College acquired Shimer College and instituted the Shimer Great Books School of North Central College.
Source: Wikipedia
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1165
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
20.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.3%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$18,750
Programs (71)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
82%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
20
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from IL state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Days out near Naperville
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Aurora, from real bookable tour times.
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