North Park at a Glance
Christian
Our Campus Residence Halls
Our Neighborhood Majors and Programs
College of Arts and Sciences
School of Education
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
School of Business and Nonprofit Management
School
North Park at a Glance
The mission of North Park University, as the university of the Evangelical Covenant Church, is to prepare students for lives of significance and service through education in the liberal arts, professional studies, and theology.
70+
majors, minors, and pre-professional tracks
98% of students receive financial aid
2,631 students enrolled
17 average class size
30+ acres in Chicago
30+ student clubs and organizations
We Are Christian
Founded in 1891 by Swedish Christian immigrants, North Park continues to embody Covenant values and affirmations. Accordingly, we foster respectful discussion and engagement among people of all beliefs.
“I chose North Park because it’s a Christiancentered university and a smaller school located in a big city. During my time here, the Gospel Choir has truly been a memorable learning experience. Being able to worship and celebrate the love of Jesus in community has been incredible.”
Matthew Valentine BS ’23
University Ministries (UMin)
UMin provides many welcoming spaces where students can worship together through weekly Chapel service and biweekly CollegeLife gatherings, grow together through LifeGroups, and participate in local service via Urban Outreach and international service via Global Partnerships. Students also have opportunities to work toward racial reconciliation and justice through Sankofa.
Crux: North Park’s first-year discipleship program
Incoming students interested in growing their faith while journeying together with like-minded students often choose North Park’s Crux program. During this first, formative year at North Park, students in Crux explore what it means to be a Christian through an immersive experience that includes daily devotionals, service projects, mentorship alongside seminary students, and exploration of Chicago.
We Are City-Centered
We recognize Chicago as a dynamic place of learning and service. We see Chicago as our neighborhood and our classroom—it’s a doorway to fantastic opportunities.
“There is such value in taking the concepts you learn in the classroom, like urban sociology or real estate zoning, and interacting with them in person, with your feet on the ground in the places you have learned about. Engaging with communities— loving our neighbors—is one of the greatest commandments within our Christian faith.”
Chase Friel BA ’23
Center for Civic Engagement
The mission of North Park University’s Center for Civic Engagement is to advance a city-centered ethos on campus and augment North Park’s commitment to the just flourishing of cities. It advances its mission via many programs, including Catalyst, in which students engage the city in their everyday coursework.
Catalyst
Catalyst, North Park’s Chicago-based curriculum, offers credit bearing courses where you spend at least two Wednesday afternoons per semester learning outside the classroom through faculty-guided group excursions in the city. You’ll engage with the city through applied academics, serving, and learning from the diverse people of Chicago. All Chicagoans are our teachers.
We Are Intercultural
North Park embraces and values all people and celebrates the global cultural tapestry that is reflected on our campus. We work to ensure the success of all our students, regardless of race, ethnicity, or religious belief.
Amir Fakhari BS ’23
“I
felt like North Park would be a place to grow both in my religion and my desired career path of physical therapy.”
The Office of Intercultural Student Affairs
Our Office of Intercultural Student Affairs is a welcoming space where students can study, enjoy a snack, or hang out with other students. It is a safe space for the entire community.
Diversity associations at North Park
North Park sponsors various ethnic, cultural, and special interest clubs, including the Latin American Student Association, the Black Student Union, and Queers and Allies, among others.
Our Campus
Living on campus has many benefits. You’re better able to take full advantage of campus and academic resources and organizations. With around-the-clock security, it’s a safe and welcoming place. Campus is full of life, productive, fun, smooth-running, and secure.
Get involved
Campus activities run the gamut from cultural and social to musical and academic. The East Asian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern Student Associations; gospel, chamber, and jazz ensembles; intramural sports; Chemistry Club; and ROTC are just a few of our offerings.
“While at North Park, I appreciated the opportunity to dabble in disciplines that I might not otherwise have learned about. In particular, anatomy with Dr. Paul Janus taught me everything I need to know about the human body. My time here would not have been as fulfilling without the students, supportive faculty, and dedicated staff.”
130+ campus apartments and houses
3 residence halls
L abrene Efstathiou BA ’24
Residence Halls
Anderson | A, F
Home to many first- and second-year students, Anderson is an all-female residence hall that boasts a strong sense of camaraderie.
Burgh Hall | C, D
A co-ed residence hall, with men and women separated by floor, Burgh is the residence of choice for student-athletes.
Ohlson House | B
This residence is eclectic and warm. Home to students with diverse interests and majors, everyone can find “their people” here.
Apartment Housing | E
A wide variety of on-campus apartment housing is available to third- and fourth-year students.
Our Neighborhood
60625: It’s one of the most diverse zip codes in the United States. It’s also our neighborhood, filled with vibrant culture and some of the most delicious food in the city. Grab a friend and go explore.
Our neighborhood is on the North Side, near Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
Albany Park
Chicago
A | The North Branch of the Chicago River winds through our campus.
B | Tre Kronor, a North Park fixture for decades, offers the type of Swedish cuisine North Park’s founders favored.
C | Rent a Divvy bike in front of Hamming Hall for a way to get around Chicago (and a workout).
D | CTA is the easiest way to get around. Use your U-Pass to hop on any train or bus.
E | The Sweden Shop is another nod to North Park’s Swedish heritage and features charming imports from Scandinavia.
F | In warmer months, you can find local vendors selling freshly prepared food on the streets of Albany Park.
Majors & Programs
Our core liberal arts curriculum enables you to explore your interests and find your passions throughout your undergraduate years at North Park. This unique curriculum prepares you for success in any line of work.
Majors
Advertising (BA, BS)
Art (BA)
Fine Arts
Graphic Design
Biblical and Theological Studies (BA)
Biology (BA, BS)
Biochemistry (BA, BS)
Biomedical Sciences (BA, BS)
Business (BA, BS)
Accounting
Finance
Management
Marketing
Sport Management
Chemistry (BA, BS)
Communication Studies (BA)
Computer Science (BA)
Conflict Transformation Studies (BA)
Criminal Justice (BA)
Early Childhood Education (BA)
Elementary Education (BA)
Engineering (BA)
English (BA)
Creative Writing
Literature
Exercise Science (BS)
Kinesiology
Pre-Athletic Training*
Health Sciences (BS)
Health Systems Management
Health and Wellness
*Pathway for the 3+2 accelerated master’s degree in athletic training (MSAT)
History (BA)
Mathematics (BA, BS)
Mechanical Engineering (BS)
Middle Grades Education (BA)
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BA, BS)
Music (BA)
Composition
General Studies
Jazz Studies (Instrumental)
Performance
Music Education (BME)
Instrumental
Voice or Piano
Nonprofit Management (BA, BS)
Nursing (BS)
Philosophy (BA)
Physical Education (BA, BS)
Politics and Government (BA)
Psychology (BA, BS)
Public Policy (BA)
Senior High Education (BA, BS) Second major only
Sociology (BA)
Spanish (BA)
Pre-professional tracks
Art Therapy
Dentistry
Law
Medicine
Occupational Therapy
Optometry
Pharmacy
Physical Therapy
Veterinary Science
Plus nine master’s, two post-master’s, and two doctoral programs.
Colleges and schools
College of Arts and Sciences
School of Music, Art, and Theatre
School of Business and Nonprofit Management
School of Education
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
School of Professional Studies
North Park Theological Seminary
College of Arts and Sciences
Our Chicago-based campus is a nexus where students can learn, study, and relax. With access to Chicago’s world-class facilities and experiences, and our innovative Catalyst program, you’ll benefit from a fantastic combination of campus and city learning.
The Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life
Acquire new skills in the state-of-the-art Johnson Center. Join faculty in the cadaver lab to study human anatomy or in the woods to collect ticks for Lyme disease research; travel to the Bahamas for hands-on study of marine biology or stay on campus and explore the laser lab.
From STEM to storytelling
North Park will equip you for a career in science or the humanities, guiding you toward career paths in healthcare and engineering, as well as writing, languages, sociology, and philosophy.
9 pre-professional tracks
10 STEM majors
30+
smart laboratories
1 cadaver lab
School of Education
North Park’s renowned School of Education has been producing some of the area’s most highly sought-after teachers for decades. Professors with experience, compassion, and connections throughout the country mean you are getting an education unlike any other.
Where students and alumni work:
Disney II Magnet School, Chicago, IL
Evergreen High School, Seattle, WA
Glenbrook South High School, Glenview, IL
Jonathan Y. Scammon Elementary School, Chicago, IL
Otter Creek Elementary School, Elgin, IL
The School of Saints Faith, Hope, & Charity, Winnetka, IL
Experienced teachers, hands-on learning
Students complete four clinical experiences while in the School of Education. During these clinicals, students benefit from mentorship from experienced teachers in various educational environments: public, private, city, and suburban schools.
“I chose North Park because it’s Christian and has small classes where you can form relationships with your professors. Because of those relationships, I know my professors want me to succeed. The longer I’m in the education program here, the happier I become with my decision.”
Stephanie Tomuta, BA ’25
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Our caring and committed faculty lead by example in the classroom and in clinical practice through programs that have a values-centered, evidence-based approach to education. Our renowned nursing program has a 50-year legacy of care.
Where students and alumni work:
Advocate Health Care
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Chicago Bulls (NBA)
Chicago Red Stars (WNSL)
Chicago Sky (WNBA)
Detroit Lions (NFL)
Endeavor Health
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
100% employment rate after graduation
Unlimited career opportunities
When you choose a major in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, you’ll acquire the skills to serve in a wide array of health-related fields, from athletic training to physical therapy to nursing.
“Continuing my education in the same great city I grew up in is such a blessing. North Park’s Christian, intercultural, and city-centered values hit very close to me as a Christian Filipino from Chicago. I get to appreciate Chicago as an adult and learn in a diverse, faith-driven community.”
Ashlei Mendoza, BA ’25
School of Business and Nonprofit Management
The School of Business and Nonprofit Management professors have real-world experience in some of Chicago’s top businesses and nonprofits. Let them share their knowledge with you in small classes that invite discussion, debate, and interconnection.
Where students and alumni work:
Allstate
AMA Foundation
Catholic Relief Services
Chicago Board of Trade
Girl Scouts of the USA
Grainger
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
The Northern Trust Company
Pfizer
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Sinai Health System
Tribune Media
United Airlines
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Hands-on experience
Networking events, guest lectures, and international travel are all a part of your School of Business and Nonprofit Management education.
“Many of North Park’s professors have careers outside the classroom, and that’s helping prepare me for my career. Having professors with realworld experience is key to helping me understand what my future requires. ”
Brett Ravitz, BA ’25
School of Music, Art, and Theatre
Chicago is brimming with talent, from iconic theatre productions and venues to world-renowned museums and a thriving classical and contemporary music scene. North Park faculty are immersed in this world, and students have easy access to it.
Spring opera
Each spring, the School of Music, Art, and Theatre alternates between staging a full opera production and opera scenes.
Carlson Tower Gallery
The Carlson Tower Gallery is dedicated to exhibitions of North Park students, faculty, alumni, and professional artists.
“I knew I wanted to continue playing in band throughout college, so I was excited to learn about the music program and the scholarships it offers. I don’t have a specific career in mind, but the variety of classes I can take is definitely helping prepare me for whatever path I choose.”
Olivia Yonkman, BA ’25
A Commitment to Serve
At North Park, we are a part of a broader community. We encourage students to enrich their lives and those of our neighbors by serving others.
Alana Nicholas BS ’23
“Transform Capital has allowed me to look at what it means to serve and to work. It has shown me the power of being in relationships and sharing our stories. Through these relationships, I have seen how God works in the lives of those serving and those being served.”
Transform Capital
North Parkers have the privilege of working with Transform Capital, a nonprofit lending movement co-founded by Paul Hawkinson, a professor who spent 17 years in finance. Transform Capital aims to ignite generational advantages in disinvested communities through home ownership.
Students in our Transform cohort learn about assetbased community development, where they identify the strengths and talents in underserved communities and develop customized projects to help them grow and thrive.
Serve with SGA
North Park’s Student Government Association (SGA) actively works to improve the community, hosting food drives to support projects such as Chicago Community Jail Support and seminars on financial literacy. The group also enhances campus life, advocating for improved communal lounge areas and forming new cultural and arts clubs to serve the ever-changing student population.
Graduate Success
North Park grads end up at top-tier companies, nonprofits, and other organizations throughout Chicago and worldwide.
Notable internships sites include:
American Greetings
Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center
Children’s Research Triangle
Cook County State’s Attorney Investigation Bureau
Evangelical Covenant Church
ICM Properties
Morningstar, Inc.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Northwest Medical Foundation
Primera Engineers
Senator Richard J. Durbin’s Office
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Swedish Hospital
WGN-TV
World Relief
WTTW/WFMT
YMCA of the USA
Austin Channing Brown BS ’06
Author, Speaker, Media Producer, New York Times
Bestseller: I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness
Kenny Garcia BS ’13
Vice President, Law Firm Group
Citi Private Bank
Sommar (Johnson) Otfinoski BS ’13, MSN ’20
ICU Nurse, Swedish Hospital
Rachael Greco BA ’17 2017 Fulbright Scholar Technology Consultant, Sightline Freight Partners
Joanna (Ericson) Kanakis BA ’06
SVP, Institutional Business Development, LPL Financial
Terrance Smith BA ’15
Director of Music and Arts, Oakdale Covenant Church
Ben Poor BS ’14
Director of Government Affairs for Tax Compliance at ADP
Dr. Juan Rodriguez BS ’12
Trauma and Acute Care Surgeon, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County
Jon White BA ’04
5th and 6th Grade ELA Teacher, Pritzker Elementary School, Chicago Public Schools
Athletics
Building community is a team sport. Between our 19 varsity sports, popular intramurals, and club sports, Vikings are here to play.
Men’s sports
Coed sports Esports
Bobby Bartlett BS ’23
“I learned about everything at North Park, from playing baseball and becoming a team leader to gaining knowledge in my chosen major.”
19 varsity sports
450+ student-athletes on campus
9 intramural sports
Left | The men’s basketball team always draws a crowd.
A | The cheerleading team roots for their Vikings.
B | The climbing wall at Helwig Recreation Center.
C | Working out at the Helwig Recreation Center.
D | A view of our gymnasium.
E | Looking out at Holmgren Athletic Complex.
F | Intramural sports are open to all.
Financial Aid
We’re committed to keeping college affordable. We know the cost of your college education is an important factor in your decision. It matters to us, too. According to the College Board, our tuition and fees are consistently several thousand dollars below the national average for private four-year colleges and universities.
45% of students receive a Pell Grant
98% of students receive financial aid
Cost of attendance
$36,070
Tuition (2024–25) $11,230
Housing and food
Estimate your cost and aid: northpark.edu/calculator
Visit Us
Want to find out if North Park is a good fit? The best way is to visit campus and meet us. North Park offers you the best of both worlds: a serene, park-like campus in the heart of a diverse Chicago neighborhood.
Special visit events
We host various on-campus visit events throughout the year to give you every opportunity to get to know North Park.
In-person visits
Schedule a personalized on-campus tour. Your visit will include an admissions presentation, a meeting with your admissions counselor, and a campus tour. Find out more at northpark.edu/visit.
Next Steps
Traditional undergraduate
Apply online: northpark.edu/apply
What you need:
Official high school transcripts
ACT or SAT test scores (optional)
Academic reference
Personal essay
File your FAFSA: FAFSA.gov
Accept your offer of admission: northpark.edu/deposit
Transfer students
Apply online: northpark.edu/apply
What you need:
A minimum 2.0 GPA and 12 transferable credits from another institution
Transcripts from previous institution(s)
File your FAFSA: FAFSA.gov
Accept your offer of admission: northpark.edu/deposit
Important dates
September: Apply to North Park.
Beginning in October–January: File your FAFSA.
November:
Financial aid awarded. Accept a financial aid package and make your tuition deposit to register for classes.
May 1:
Reserve your spot by paying your tuition deposit. This confirms your intention to enroll at North Park and allows you to register for classes and make housing decisions.
July:
First-semester tuition bills sent. Payment or approval of payment plan is due upon receipt.
August:
Opening-week orientation for new students. You’ll get a feel of how campus works, meet new people, and wrap up final details.
Transfer students:
Because transfer students are granted admission on a rolling basis, you can apply anytime.