North Park University, established in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church in Chicago's North Park neighborhood, is a private Christian university ranked among the best regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News. The university offers 40+ undergraduate programs with particular strengths in nursing, business, and theology through its Seminary. North Park's 30-acre urban campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the state-of-the-art Johnson Center for Science and Community Life. The university maintains a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and emphasizes experiential learning through its Chicago-centered curriculum.
North Park's location provides students with unparalleled access to internships and cultural opportunities in the nation's third-largest city. The university's signature 'Chicago Semester' program immerses students in professional experiences across various industries. North Park Vikings compete in NCAA Division III athletics, while campus ministry programs reflect the university's Christian heritage. The university is known for its diverse student body and strong Scandinavian-American heritage, hosting the annual Swedish American Museum's Christmas festival.
North Park University Acceptance Rate
North Park University is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 72.84%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
North Park University Admission Requirements
North Park University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at North Park University is 3.14. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 2.84 and 3.14, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
North Park University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at North Park University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.14, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.14 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 2.94 – 3.13 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.74 – 2.93 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.73 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At North Park University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
North Park University SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
North Park University Average SAT Score: 1026
The average SAT score of the admitted students at North Park University is 1026 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1026 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1056 SAT or ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. North Park University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 986, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to North Park University. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | ||
| SAT Reading | 0 | ||
| SAT Composite | 1026 | 986 | 1056 |
It means that if you have scored less than 986 then you are below most of the admitted students at North Park University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1056 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into North Park University with a 1050 SAT?
With a 1050 SAT Score, your chances of admission at North Park University are good but the admission staff at North Park University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
North Park University Profile
Name: North Park University
City: Chicago
URL: www.northpark.edu/
State: Illinois
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 60625-4895
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from North Park University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at North Park University is USD: 42040. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at North Park University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
43.2% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 53.73 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to North Park University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At North Park University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist North Park University as your choice in the form.
How much a North Park University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 59572. An average North Park University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than North Park University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Alabama State University, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Faulkner University | Faulkner University, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | University of West Alabama, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Baptist Health College Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Metropolitan State University of Denver, CO | 1014 | 20 |
| Colorado State University Pueblo | Colorado State University Pueblo, CO | 1005 | 22 |
| University of Bridgeport | University of Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Delaware State University, DE | 984 | 24 |
| Trinity Baptist College | Trinity Baptist College, FL | 1007 | 20 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, GA | 994 | 19 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as North Park University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Faulkner University, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| Central Baptist College | Central Baptist College, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Williams Baptist University, AR | 1018 | 19 |
| University of Hawaii at Hilo | University of Hawaii at Hilo, HI | 1025 | 19 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than North Park University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Auburn University at Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy University, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Grand Canyon University, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | University of the Ozarks, AR | 1088 | 21 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Area Studies
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions About North Park University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $59572 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $42040 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of North Park University is 72.84 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.14. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.84, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.84, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 2.84 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.74 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to North Park University if my GPA is below 2.74
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.14, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to North Park University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1026 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 986-1056
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by North Park University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.