Record Number of New Students Leads to Highest Student Enrollment in North Central College History

At a time when many colleges across the nation are grappling with declining enrollments, North Central College welcomed its largest-ever incoming class this fall. The influx of new students has pushed total enrollment to an all-time high in the College’s 164-year history.

A record 921 new undergraduate students enrolled for the College’s fall 2025 semester, including 657 first-year students (a 36% increase over last year) and 264 transfer students. Combined with graduate student enrollment, the incoming class contributed to a record total of 3,179 students (2,632 undergraduate and 547 graduate) for the start of the 2025-26 academic year, surpassing the previous record total of 3,003 set last year.

“Record enrollment reflects that North Central College is attracting students who seek a transformational, high-quality and hands-on education that leads to tangible, real-world outcomes,” said President Abiodun Goke-Pariola. “From academics and athletics to community and corporate partnerships, we are experiencing momentum across all corners of our campus. We are excited to experience everything our Cardinals will contribute and accomplish during their time within our close-knit, supportive college community.”

North Central’s previous undergraduate enrollment record was set in 2017 with 893 new students, but enrollment temporarily dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic. The College has since set new total enrollment records for two consecutive years.

“Our current enrollment trend affirms that students and families see tremendous value in a North Central College education,” said Aggie Hanni, vice president for enrollment management and marketing. “From innovative academic programs to personalized support and a vibrant campus community, we offer an experience that prepares students not just for careers, but for meaningful lives. And with Naperville consistently ranked among the best places to live in the nation, our students truly get the best of both worlds. We are committed to continuing to deliver the highest level of opportunity, value, and support to every student who chooses North Central.”

The incoming class comprises students from 31 U.S. states and 36 countries. The majority of new first-year undergraduate students (45%) are enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences, 22% are enrolled in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, 20% in the School of Education and Health Sciences, and 13% are undecided. The most popular departments for declared majors among new first-year undergraduate students included health science, biology, economics, engineering, and management and marketing.

Nearly half of new transfer undergraduate students (49%) are enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences, 24% are enrolled in the School of Education and Health Sciences, and 22% in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship. The most popular departments for declared majors among new transfer undergraduate students included management and marketing, health science, psychology, kinesiology, and biology.

North Central College offers more than 90 undergraduate majors across its three distinct academic units, as well as 25 graduate degree and graduate certificate programs.

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