North Central University
North Central University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
North Central University at a Glance
North Central University (NCU) is a private Christian university in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. It is owned and operated by 11 Assemblies of God districts of the upper Midwest. NCU was founded in 1930 and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It is one of 17 Assemblies of God institutions of higher education in the United States.
1930
96 years old
992
893 undergrad · 99 grad
130
Identity
Is North Central University Worth It?
At a value score of 28/100, North Central University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $45,064 — 16% below average — while paying $25,817/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.3-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 65% graduation rate means roughly 35% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With a 99% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $23,200 representing 51% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at North Central University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How North Central University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #32 of 89 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #3 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #4 | Aquinas College | 48 | $16,626 | $49,584 |
| #5 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #6 | Monmouth College | 46 | $17,133 | $51,110 |
| #32 | North Central University | 28 | $25,817 | $45,064 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of North Central University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in MN.
Best Programs at North Central University
The highest-earning program at North Central University is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $33,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies at $27,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate from North Central University earns $33,900, while a Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies graduate earns $27,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $25,817/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $33,900 | $33,900 | $25,061 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | $31,500 | $31,500 | $25,206 |
| Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies | $27,900 | $27,900 | N/A |
Similar Colleges in MN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Minneapolis, MN
- Student Body
- 709 students
- Admission Rate
- 99%
- Graduation Rate
- 65%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $25,817
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,064
- Median Student Debt
- $23,200