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North Central University: North Central University
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Christian college

#18 Best test-optional Christian colleges in America

North Central University

Minneapolis, MN · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Assemblies of God · Assemblies of God and Pentecostal

Real cost

Average price after aid $25,817 a year

Median debt at graduation: $23,200 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

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North Central University in downtown Minneapolis is an accredited Christian university owned and operated by 11 Assemblies of God districts in the upper Midwest. Daily chapel is a requirement for all students, and student-led Render services meet most Mondays. Each residence hall floor holds weekly LifeCore small group meetings led by student discipleship leaders.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Attending chapel is a requirement for all students.

Source: northcentral.edu
What's a normal week?

Daily chapel meets on campus, and each floor holds weekly LifeCore discipleship meetings.

Source: northcentral.edu
Where do I find community?

Each floor has a discipleship team that leads weekly LifeCore small group meetings.

Source: northcentral.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

The university partners with community groups to offer service opportunities.

Source: northcentral.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Show 17 more

Academic Excellence

B+Academic Excellence: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
72 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.66%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.82%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.14 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$9,490

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

AWorship and chapel: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Worship and chapel

100 of 100 points · 4 of 7 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel services during the week3 or more a week (Daily chapel services, Monday to Friday.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life & Daily Chapel | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/student-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Daily chapel services at NCU are central to our campus community and culture.”
      Chapel is held every weekday.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Chapel attendance is required of all students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life & Daily Chapel | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/student-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Attending chapel is a requirement for all students.”
      Chapel attendance is required of all students.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesEvery week (Student-led Render chapel takes place on most Mondays each semester.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life & Daily Chapel | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/student-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Taking place on most Mondays each semester, Render is a unique opportunity for students to lead in all aspects of a chapel experience”
      Student-led Render chapel takes place on most Mondays each semester.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes (F.J. Lindquist Chapel, built in 1973.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission & History | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/about/ncu-story · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Notable buildings include the F.J. Lindquist Chapel (built in 1973)”
      F.J. Lindquist Chapel is a campus building.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayerNot enough information: no verified chapel or worship times are recorded.
ABible and theology: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

100 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (Every B.A. and B.S. student earns the Christian Studies Minor (18 credits) with a Bible and theology core and one elective (2025-26 catalog).)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-26 Academic Catalog | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2025-26-Academic-Catalog-1.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Old Testament History & Literature (3)”
      The Christian Studies Minor requires BIBL 126 Old Testament History and Literature.
      “New Testament History & Literature (3)”
      The Christian Studies Minor requires BIBL 127 New Testament History and Literature.
      “CHRISTIAN STUDIES CORE MINOR (18 CREDITS)”
      The Christian Studies Core Minor is 18 credits.
      “God & the Gospel (3)”
      The Christian Studies Minor also requires THEO 210 God and the Gospel and THEO 315 God and the World.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (Old Testament History and Literature and New Testament History and Literature are both required of the Christian Studies Minor.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-26 Academic Catalog | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2025-26-Academic-Catalog-1.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Old Testament History & Literature (3)”
      The Christian Studies Minor requires BIBL 126 Old Testament History and Literature.
      “New Testament History & Literature (3)”
      The Christian Studies Minor requires BIBL 127 New Testament History and Literature.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (The core is described as providing a cohesive Christian worldview.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-26 Academic Catalog | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2025-26-Academic-Catalog-1.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The base of the University’s degree programs is a general education core whose prime task is to”
      The general education core is designed to provide a cohesive Christian worldview.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (Biblical and Theological Studies major, B.A. (2025-26 catalog).)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-26 Academic Catalog | Biblical & Theological Studiesnorthcentral.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2025-26-Academic-Catalog-1.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Biblical & Theological Studies major is designed for the student who may go on to pursue”
      A Biblical and Theological Studies major is offered.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A published statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
BChristian community: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Christian community

80 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (One named spiritual life leader on the spiritual life page; worship teams and discipleship leaders are not counted as staff.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life & Daily Chapel | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/student-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Dean of Multicultural Development & Spiritual Life”
      The Dean of Multicultural Development and Spiritual Life, Joshua Edmon, leads spiritual life.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (Weekly LifeCore small groups on every residence hall floor, plus Render and student ministry teams.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Housing & Residence Life | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/student-life/residence-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “In the past, floors have incorporated Bible studies, worship nights, art, reflection, testimonies”
      Residence hall floors have run Bible studies and worship nights in LifeCore.
    2. Spiritual Life & Daily Chapel | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/student-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each floor in the residence halls has a resident advisor (RA) and a team of discipleship leaders who work with the RA to encourage community on the floor and lead weekly LifeCore small group meetings.”
      Every residence hall floor has discipleship leaders who lead weekly LifeCore small groups.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In every hall (Every residence hall floor has discipleship leaders and weekly LifeCore meetings.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life & Daily Chapel | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/student-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each floor in the residence halls has a resident advisor (RA) and a team of discipleship leaders who work with the RA to encourage community on the floor and lead weekly LifeCore small group meetings.”
      Every residence hall floor has discipleship leaders who lead weekly LifeCore small groups.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Yes (The annual Opportunity Fair connects students with church communities.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Pastors and Churches | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/pastors-churches · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Every year North Central hosts an Opportunity Fair to connect current North Central students with church communities”
      An annual Opportunity Fair connects students with local churches.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes (The Dean of Multicultural Development and Spiritual Life leads spiritual life.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life & Daily Chapel | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/student-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Dean of Multicultural Development & Spiritual Life”
      The Dean of Multicultural Development and Spiritual Life, Joshua Edmon, leads spiritual life.
CMissions and service: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Missions and service

62 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes (An organized service and volunteer program run with community groups.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Service & Ministry Opportunities | NCUnorthcentral.edu/student-life/service-opportunities · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “We partner with community groups to offer a variety of group or individual service opportunities.”
      The service office offers group and individual service opportunities with community partners.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumAvailable (Practical ministry requirements are fulfilled through service in the church and community; not stated as required of all students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-26 Academic Catalog | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2025-26-Academic-Catalog-1.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “there are practical ministry requirements which are fulfilled with service”
      Practical ministry requirements are fulfilled through service in the church and community.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsSome (The catalog describes missions trips as part of the global learning environment.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-26 Academic Catalog | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2025-26-Academic-Catalog-1.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “We are building a global learning environment which provides for missions trips, international”
      The university offers missions trips as part of its global learning environment.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Service & Ministry Opportunities | NCUnorthcentral.edu/student-life/service-opportunities · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “We partner with community groups to offer a variety of group or individual service opportunities.”
      The service office offers group and individual service opportunities with community partners.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsSome
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-26 Academic Catalog | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2025-26-Academic-Catalog-1.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Cross Cultural Theory & Experience (3)”
      A cross-cultural course, GBS 210, is part of the Global Studies program.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionNot enough information: not found in official sources.

Strengths

  • Daily chapel is a requirement for all students.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life & Daily Chapel | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/student-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Daily chapel services at NCU are central to our campus community and culture.”
      Chapel is held every weekday.
      “Attending chapel is a requirement for all students.”
      Chapel attendance is required of all students.
  • Every residence hall floor has weekly LifeCore small groups led by student discipleship leaders.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life & Daily Chapel | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/student-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each floor in the residence halls has a resident advisor (RA) and a team of discipleship leaders who work with the RA to encourage community on the floor and lead weekly LifeCore small group meetings.”
      Every residence hall floor has discipleship leaders who lead weekly LifeCore small groups.
  • Every B.A. and B.S. student earns a Christian Studies Minor of 18 credits, including Old and New Testament courses.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-26 Academic Catalog | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2025-26-Academic-Catalog-1.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “A minimum of 18 credits of Biblical & Theological studies is required for most majors and each student will”
      Most majors require at least 18 credits of Bible and theology, and every B.A. and B.S. student earns the Christian Studies Minor.
      “Old Testament History & Literature (3)”
      The Christian Studies Minor requires BIBL 126 Old Testament History and Literature.
      “New Testament History & Literature (3)”
      The Christian Studies Minor requires BIBL 127 New Testament History and Literature.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Spiritual Life, F.J. Lindquist Chapel

  • Address: 910 Elliot Ave., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
  • Facilities: chapel

Source: northcentral.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, northcentral.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (1)
  1. Spiritual Life & Daily Chapel | North Central Universitynorthcentral.edu/student-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Daily chapel services at NCU are central to our campus community and culture.”
    Chapel is held every weekday.
    “Dean of Multicultural Development & Spiritual Life”
    The Dean of Multicultural Development and Spiritual Life, Joshua Edmon, leads spiritual life.

Christian clubs and student life

3 groups and regular activities · 3 on campus, 0 off campus

Faith formation 1

  • LifeCoreOn campus
    Weekly, on each residence hall floor
    Weekly small group meetings led by floor discipleship leaders, often including Bible studies and worship nights.
    northcentral.edu, northcentral.edu

Worship and prayer 1

  • RenderOn campus
    Most Mondays each semester
    A student-led chapel service run alongside the main chapel service.
    northcentral.edu

Service 1

  • Opportunity FairOn campus
    An annual fair where students meet local churches and service organizations.
    northcentral.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$20,450
$30,001–$48,000$22,393
$48,001–$75,000$23,892
$75,001–$110,000$28,167
Over $110,000$30,213

Full cost of attendance before aid: $44,475 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
865
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 45% · Women 55%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
22%
Total students984
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$25,817
Cost of attendance (per year)$44,475
Median federal debt at graduation$23,200
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
66%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients
College Scorecard, within 6 years
48%
Graduation rate for first-generation students
College Scorecard, within 6 years
40%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
68%
First-year retention82%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$45,064
Admission rate99%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
No application fee
Students receiving Pell grants43%

Value index: 50 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

MajorMedian earnings
Business administration$61,287
Marketing$50,707
Teacher education$46,380
Pastoral counseling$41,979
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies$39,407

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Accounting, American Sign Language, Arts management, Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, Bible/Biblical Studies, Biology, Broadcasting, Communication studies, Computer science, Computing and information science, Counseling and mental health, Economics, Education (general), English, Entrepreneurship, Family and human development, General studies, Global studies, Health administration, Human services, Interdisciplinary studies, Journalism, Kinesiology and exercise science, Liberal arts, Management information systems, Mathematics, Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Music, Psychology, Religious Music and Worship, Secondary education, Social work, Theatre, Theology, Urban Studies/Affairs, Writing and rhetoric.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

FieldShare of degrees
Theology and religious studies25%
Business20%
Interdisciplinary studies12%
Education10%
Public administration and social service8%

Campus facts

School colors
SettingCity
Part-time undergraduates10%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older10%
On-campus room and board (per year)$10,054
SportsNCAA Division III · Upper Midwest Athletic Conference
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member14 to 1
Faculty who are full-time14%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$4,623IPEDS, 2023, per student
Nearest airport with airline serviceMinneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field (MSP)About 6 miles away
Town population427,246Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreMinneapolisIn or next to this city
Typical weather15°F in January · 74°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Lower St Anthony Falls, MN

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.000.07
Robbery2.350.01
Aggravated assault2.350.04
Burglary9.390.08
Motor vehicle theft11.740.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Questions families ask

Is North Central University a Christian college?
Yes. North Central University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Assemblies of God.
What is North Central University’s Compass Score?
82 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Is North Central University Compass Recommended?
Yes. North Central University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Christian identity and academics.

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