About

See what students say:

Academics

“Location, Location, Location!” bears an important imprint on an undergraduate education at North Central College. Students cite many “opportunities due to location” boasting, “you cannot beat being so close to Chicago.” But the Windy City isn’t the only reason students choose NCC. The school offers “a wonderful study abroad program,” as well as “a great science department.” Students also enjoy that “professors are multi-faceted individuals, and have a lot to offer.” Most “are very dedicated and accessible. They encourage individual research and independent study.” Professorial support of students who want to take the initiative in their studies leads undergraduates to “feel that though North Central is not necessarily one of the most ‘highly selective’ schools, it gives you the opportunity to push yourself to whatever academic level you desire.” Students appreciate that “The administration makes an effort to get to know as many students as possible.” Some complain, however, that the administration might be too “focused on the future of the school, and not on the present. They worry about attracting students” more than they do about retaining them.

Student Body

“The typical student comes from upper middle class suburbia, is an average student, an athlete, a Christian, and heavily involved” in some type of extracurricular group. He or she is Caucasian and “comes from the surrounding suburbs and wants to be close to mom and dad, but still able to practice the freedom that college gives.” Other students are “from smaller farming communities in Illinois.” A typical NCC student “goes home about one weekend a month.” Because “it is very uncommon to see an atypical student,” many NCC undergraduates wish that there were “more ethnic and religious diversity on our campus.”

Campus Life

Location plays a large part in the social life of NCC undergraduates as well. The “school is located right in downtown Naperville, where there are a lot of great restaurants, coffee shops, and little stores.” In addition, “there are several bars within walking distance, and those who are 21 and older frequent them.” Film aficionados appreciate that “there is a really cheap movie theater near school ($3), so we go there frequently.” Since “fraternities and sororities are non-existent at our college,” there are “seldom” parties on campus. When there are, they “tend to take place in houses owned by members of the sports teams or in the dorm rooms.” Speaking of sports teams, “a large percentage of students are athletes,” and during the week the “day revolves around practice and class.” Unfortunately, “it seems like everyone goes home for the weekends.” In an effort to curb the Friday night exodus, “the CUAB (College Union Activities Board) puts together lots of weekend and late night activities around campus” but “very few actually have a turn out.” It only takes about 45 minutes to “travel to downtown Chicago via the Metra.” The trip is made easier because the Naperville train station is very near the NCC campus.

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Anna Cannavino
Receptionist, Admission & Campus Visits

Address
Office of Admission
30 North Brainard Street
Naperville, IL 60540

Phone
630-637-5800

Email
admissions@noctrl.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Old Main - historic home of North Central College
Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium
Res/Rec Center
Fine Arts Center & Wentz Concert Hall
Oesterle Library
The College recently opened the Dr. Myron Wentz Science Center, the largest academic building on campus with multiple student gathering areas in addition to state of the art learning laboratories and classrooms. The newly opened School of Business and Entrepreneurship building also features student meeting areas and a Bloomberg Finance Lab. Rolland Boilerhouse Cafe is also a popular on-campus hangout.

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Naperville Downtown
Naperville Riverwalk
Chicago, IL
Naperville Shopping District
Naperville Historic District

Campus Tours

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: 8 am to 5 pm weekdays or by appointment
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
Varies

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Year-round

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Advance Notice
1 week

Contact Email Address for Visit
admissions@noctrl.edu

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Available

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Limitations
Student must be accepted for admission.

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
O'Hare International and Midway Airport are both within 40 minutes of campus. We are 2 minutes from the Naperville Metra Station with direct train service to Chicago.

Driving Instructions to Campus
From the West: Follow I-88 East to Winfield Road; South on Winfield to Diehl Road; East on Diehl to Washington Street; South on Washington to Benton Avenue; East on Benton Avenue to campus. From the North, South, or East: Follow roadways to I-55 or I-88; Follow I-55 or I-88 to I-355; Take I-355 to Maple Avenue; West on Maple Avenue; Maple Avenue changes name to Chicago Avenue; Take Chicago Avenue to Brainard Street; North on Brainard Street to campus. Admission visitor spaces are located in the Old Main parking lot located on Loomis Street.

Local Accommodations
Courtyard by Marriott 1155 E Diehl Rd Naperville, IL 60563 Phone: 630-505-0550 Fax: 630-505-8337 Red Roof Inn 1698 W Diehl Rd Naperville, IL 60563 Phone: 630-369-2500 Fax: 630-369-9887 Holiday Inn Select Naperville Suite 455 1801 Naper Blvd Naperville, IL 60563 Phone: 630-505-4900 Fax: 630-505-8239 Exel Inn of Chicago-Naperville 1585 N Naperville Rd Naperville, IL 60563 Phone: 630-357-0022 Fax: 630-357-9817 Harrison House Bed and Breakfast 26 N Eagle St Naperville, IL 60540 Phone: 800-842-7968 Fax: 630-355-3275 Others at: http://www.naperville-il.com/serv_hot.shtml

Admissions

Applicants: 6,625
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Average HS GPA: 3.66





Academics








Careers



Tuition & Aid






Student Body



Campus Life













Articles & Advice