Intensive English Program
Learn English at North Central College
Are you interested in studying an undergraduate degree at North Central but need to study English beforehand? Do you want to study English intensively to meet academic or professional goals?
If you answered yes to either question, the Intensive English Program could be a great fit for you.
This program is perfect for students who...
- have a high-beginning to low-advanced level of English proficiency. If you don't know, ask!
- want classes taught by professional instructors with advanced degrees in teaching multilingual students.
- enjoy small classes with personalized attention.
- want a pathway into North Central College undergraduate degrees.
- value a safe and friendly community. Naperville is ranked No. 1 among “Best Cities to Live in America” by Niche in 2024 and ranked No. 1 among “Best Places to Live in Illinois” by niche.com, 2024
Calendar Overview for IEP Terms
| Term | Arrival | Orientation | Class Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 2025 | January 2 | January 3 | January 6 - February 26 |
| Spring 2 2025 | February 26 | February 27-28 | March 3 - April 30 |
| Fall 1 2025 | Forthcoming | Forthcoming | August 20 - October 10 |
| Fall 2 2025 | Forthcoming | Forthcoming | October 15 - December 10 |
Each level and semester is made of two 8-week sessions. Mid-semester entry is not available for students who intend to study at North Central in the future. Part-time and mid-semester entry students do not complete levels at the same pace as full-time students who begin in August or January.
English Language Institute Cost Estimates 2025-2026 Academic Year
| Cost Estimates 2025-2026 | Cost Per Semester | Cost Per Academic Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $6,465 | $12,930 |
| Housing and Food | $7,657 | $15,315 |
| Course Materials and Equipment | Included | Included |
| Personal Expenses | $1,233 | $2,466 |
| Medical Insurance | $865 | $1,730 |
| Total | $16,220 | $32,441 |
The cost for one 8-week class (5 hours per week) is $775.00. This cost includes textbook fees.
The cost information is an estimate and should be used as a guide to help you plan for your education.
Do you want to continue into undergraduate studies after studying in the Intensive English Program? Learn more below!
Conditional Admission Frequently Asked Questions
What is conditional admission?
Conditional admission is admission to an undergraduate degree at North Central. Students who do conditional admission choose to meet the English proficiency requirement by studying in our Intensive English Program.
Why conditional admission instead of taking a test like the TOEFL or IELTS?
Students who study in the Intensive English program gain many benefits. A few include:
- improving English while doing tasks and projects very similar to those in university - our conditional students usually have an excellent GPA after they go into university coursework.
- getting more scholarship! All fulltime ELI tuition paid is applied as a scholarship over four years of undergraduate study.
- gaining knowledge of campus and faculty and making friends.
Who can be conditionally admitted?
Students interested in undergraduate study who meet requirements for our degree programs but still need to meet English proficiency requirements. These students should have a high-beginning to low-advanced level of English proficiency.
How do I apply for conditional admission?
- Complete an online application. To start your application, you'll need to create a North Central College account if you don't already have one. Then, select Start a New Application, select English Language Institute for the application type, and finally select Conditional English Program when asked to select your English Language Institute program.
- Submit your official secondary school transcripts and certification of graduation. These transcripts should be in English.
- Submit evidence of high-beginning to low-advanced English proficiency. A short writing sample or interview with staff may meet this requirement.
Optional Documents:
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher or instructor
Can I get scholarships?
- Yes, for your undergraduate studies. 100% of admitted international students get a scholarship.
- We have a special scholarship, the ELI to Degree scholarship, for students who go through the ELI to achieve English proficiency. All fulltime ELI tuition paid is applied as a scholarship over four years of undergraduate study.
- Learn more about our scholarships here!
When will I know if I have conditional admission?
After your application is complete, we review your file and let you know your admission status and scholarship eligibility within approximately two weeks. Detailed undergraduate application instructions can also be found on our International Undergraduate Admission page.
How long do I have to study in the Intensive English Program?
After you submit English proficiency scores or take our placement test, the program director can tell you how long you need to study in the Intensive English Program.
Our Intensive English Program and Excel Program are designed to serve students at different stages of their English learning journey. Your English proficiency will determine your track into the College (see chart below). For questions about which track is the right fit for you, please contact our director Kate Pope at eli@noctrl.edu.
Other Program Benefits and Resources
Campus Resources for Students
- Full access to North Central College computer, recreational, cultural, and health facilities
- Participation in the International Club, one of the most active clubs on campus
- Participation in North Central College clubs and recreational sports
- Convenient housing in campus residence halls
- Walking distance to downtown Naperville and to the commuter train to Chicago
- Free campus internet access and laundry
