North Park University, Chicago, Illinois is a private Christian university founded in 1891 by the Church of the Evangelical Covenant. The University offers around 100 undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs to students. Some of the most popular disciplines include Nursing, Business, Economics, Biology and Exercise Science.
In fall 2023, North Park received 4,435 applications of which only 48% were accepted setting a competitive acceptance rate. The University recorded a total enrollment of 2,927 students including 4% international students representing 42 countries.
The following points must be kept in mind while applying to North Park University:
- Fresh applications are accepted for the fall and spring semesters.
- Applications remain open throughout the year and can be completed free of cost.
- North Park begins accepting applications from September 1 for the following fall semester.
- Application deadlines for international students are set quite in advance as compared to domestic applicants due to the length of visa procedure.
- The University does not offer an English as second language (ESL) program. Therefore, international students must meet English language proficiency requirements for admission.
- Emailed copies of transcripts will not be accepted.
- 88% of the graduates were placed in a job related to their area of study upon graduation.
COVID-19 Admission Updates
- Prospective applicants for Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 will not have to submit test scores for admission. Students who have already taken the test may submit the scores to help the University reach a decision. Submitting test scores will not have any negative impact on the chances of admission.
Highlights
| Application Portal | Online Application |
| Application Fee | No application fee |
| Mode of Payment | Credit card/ Check |
| Acceptance Rate | 48% |
| Average SAT score | 990 |
| Average ACT score | 19 |
| Academic Calendar | Semester-based |
| Intake Seasons | Fall/ Spring |
| Work Experience | Not required |
| Financial Aid | Scholarships/ loans/ grants |
North Park University Admission Deadlines
North Park University accepts admission applications all year round without any application fee. The recommended application deadlines for fall and spring semesters are as follows:
| Student Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | |
| First-year Students | April 1 |
| International Students | June 1 |
| Transfer, second bachelor’s degree and non-degree seeking students | July 1 |
| Re-admission | August 1 |
| Spring Semester | |
| Domestic Applicants | December 15 |
| International Applicants | October 1 |
North Park University International Student Admissions
For getting admission at North Park University, international applicants must follow a set of guidelines and fulfill requirements as stated by the University. Admission to the University requires international students to demonstrate the probability of academic success, ability to pay for tuition fees and accommodation and adequate English language proficiency.
Application Portal: Online Application/ Common Application
Application Fee: No application fee
Admission Requirements: International students must complete and submit an application form and submit the following:
- Official high school transcripts which must be submitted by a high school principal, administrator, counselor or teacher.
- Academic recommendations by current or previous teachers.
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Essay
- SAT and ACT scores (optional)
- Copy of identification page of passport
- Bank statement
- Financial affidavit of support
English Language Proficiency Requirements
International students applying for all North Park University programs must submit evidence of English language proficiency in the form of official test results, such as TOEFL or IELTS, as part of their admissions process. The candidates must, however, monitor the course wise requirements of the various departments.
Visa Process for International Students
International students studying in the U.S. will require visa sponsorship. Students will require a Form I-20 in order to apply for the F-1 student visa. Before North Park University can sponsor Form I-20, students must be admitted to the university and have submitted the following documents:
- Copy of passport identification page
- Bank statement (bank statements must show a minimum of 6 months of deposits and be in the name of the individual taking responsibility for your payments)
- Affidavit of financial support
To apply for a F-1 or J-1 student visa, applicants must follow the steps given below:
- Contact the local U.S. Consulate or Embassy
- Complete visa application Form DS-160 online and print a copy of the receipt to take to your visa interview.
- Schedule an in-person interview at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Prepare and bring to the visa interview the following documents:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months after your intended period of stay
- Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
- Acceptance letter from North Park University
- Completed visa application form DS-160
- A receipt for the visa application fee
- A receipt for the SEVIS fee (I-901 fee)
- One 2” x 2” photograph in the prescribed format
- Evidence showing you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses for a full academic year.
- Any information indicating why you have chosen to study at North Park University.
- Any information proving your intent to return home after finishing your studies such as property ownership, job responsibilities, family ties, etc.
North Park University Undergraduate Admissions
North Park University offers 80 undergraduate majors and pre-professional programs to students in subject areas such as law, medicine, art therapy, accounting, business, economics, engineering, health sciences etc. The University has traditional academic standards and all undergraduates are expected to meet them for admission.
Where to Apply: North Park University's Application or Common Application
Application Fee: No application fee
Admission Requirements: All first year applicants must submit the following documents along with the application:
- Complete the online application
- Official high school transcripts
- Records of high school attendance
- Personal essay (stating the reason for choosing NPU and why you would be a good fit?)
- Records of activities and extracurricular involvement that can reflect leadership skills, personal characteristics, etc.
- Recommendations from teachers, community leaders or pastors, etc. attesting to your academic abilities within the classroom.
- SAT or ACT tests not required for admission in Fall 2023 and Spring 2024.
The traditional academic standards for admission are as follows:
- Cumulative high school GPA of 2.75
- ACT composite score of 19
- SAT composite score of 990
North Park University Graduate Admissions
North Park University offers 19 graduate degree programs through various academic departments such as Business and Nonprofit Management, Education, Nursing, Health Sciences, Music/Arts/Theatre, and Professional Studies. For admission to graduate programs, applicants must submit proof of successful completion of a 4-year bachelor's degree or equivalent. Departmental requirements must also be fulfilled along with general admission requirements.
Where to Apply: Online Application
Application Fee: No application fee
Admission Requirements: Graduate program applicants must submit the following documents along with the application:
- Official transcripts with a course-by-course evaluation report completed by World Evaluation Services or Educational Credential Evaluators.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Electronic copy of resume
- Short essay
- Professional/ academic recommendations
- Bank statement and North Park Financial Resources Statement
- Copy of passport
- If available, visa and current I-20
Transcripts must be sent to:
North Park University Admissions
3225 W Foster Ave., Box 19
Chicago, IL 60625
Given below are the details of department-wise admission requirements for aspiring international graduate applicants:
| Requirements | School of Business and Non-profit Management | School of Education | School of Music, Art and Theatre | School of Professional Studies (MA in Clinical Mental Health Counselling) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Majors | Master of Business Administration (MBA) Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM) Master of Nonprofit Administration (MNA) Master of Higher Education Administration (MHEA) | Master of Arts in Education Master of Arts in Educational Leadership Master of Arts in Literacy, Language, and Culture Master of Arts in Teaching | Master of Music in Collaborative Piano Master of Music in Vocal Performance | Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) |
| Transcripts | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Recommendations | Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional) | Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional) | Three letters of recommendation (academic or professional) | Three letters of recommendation (academic or professional) |
| Essay | Three brief essays | Three brief essays | Not required | Required |
| Resume/ CV | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Interview | Not required | Not required | Not required | Required (in-person/ virtual interview with program director) |
| Additional Departmental Requirements | None | None | Auditions through electronic footage via Youtube or other online video services | None |
After submitting the application, all applicants will receive an email on the address mentioned in the application form to confirm that the application was submitted successfully. Once all supplementary materials have been received, the admissions committee will review credentials and make an admission decision. Students can expect an admission decision within two weeks from submission of all the application materials. Due to the selective nature of admissions at North Park University, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Since the University accepts applications throughout the year, it is highly recommended to apply as early as possible.
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