Graduate Financial Aid

Financial Aid Office

North Central College administers federal, state, and private sources of financial aid. Graduate students are not eligible for all types of financial aid, but there are some resources available to you to help you fund your education.  Graduate students may complete the FAFSA for federal direct loan opportunities. Federal educational loans may have advantages over consumer loans, including lower interest rates and more favorable repayment terms.  In additional to an unsubsidized federal direct loan, some Graduate students apply for the Graduate PLUS.

Email the Office of Financial Aid or call 630-637-5600 with any questions.

Eligibility

All students seeking financial aid must meet general eligibility requirements, including:

  • Proof of citizenship, U.S. or eligible non-citizen
  • Demonstration of financial need
  • Satisfactory academic progress
  • Degree-seeking, not a student-at-large
  • Enrolled at least half time

2019-20 Cost of Attendance

The following tuition rates apply for summer 2019 to spring 2020.

2019-20 Academic Year Programs Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour Total Credit Hours
Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership $789 36
Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership $789 36
Master of Arts in Sports Leadership $789 36
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies $789 30
Master of Arts in Professional and Creative Writing $789 36
Master of Business Administration $879 36
Master of Education in Educational Leadership $598 36
Master of Education in Instructional Coaching $598 34
Master of Financial Management $879 36
Master of Human Resource Management $879 36
Master of Nonprofit Management and Leadership $766 36
Master of Occupational Therapy $789 82
Certificate in Creative Writing $798 9
Certificate in Trauma Informed Educational Practices for Children and Adolescents $598 12
Master of Athletic Training $600 55
Senior Scholars (over age 60) $175 NA
Graduate Thesis Continuation Fee $450 NA

2018-19 Master of Occupational Therapy Cost of Attendance

2018-19 Year: Occupational Therapy Cost
Fall (12 hours) $9,192
Spring (15 hours) $11,490
Summer (10 hours) $7,660
Total: $28,342

Scholarships and Tuition Discounts

Alumni Admission Graduate Student Scholarship Program

The Alumni Admission Graduate scholarship is available to new graduate students who are recommended by an alumnus/alumna of a North Central graduate program. Full-time students are awarded $1000 annually and part-time students are awarded $500 annually.

Alumni at lunch tent during homecoming

North Central Alumni Tuition Discount

Come back home to North Central and save up to $3000! As a North Central alumni, you can take 10% off your graduate tuition. (Master of Occupational Therapy and Master of Athletic Training programs do not apply).

Graduate Assistantships

Each year, North Central College offers a variety of Graduate Assistant (GA) positions.  Positions vary from student affairs to marketing to coaching. The GA program is designed to provide professional experiences that complement your studies and enhance your career opportunities.

Group of Graduate Assistants

Education Alliance Grant

North Central College has partnerships with local businesses and school districts to offer the Education Alliance Grant. Eligible employees with an earned bachelor's degree will receive a 20% tuition discount on any graduate program offered by North Central College.

icon of a check

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership Scholarship

The Kern Family Foundation is enabling North Central to provide scholarships to students who are underrepresented in administrative ranks or who currently serve underserved communities. Learn more about the Cultures of Character scholarship application, fellowship opportunities, and character education institute benefits at The Kern Family Foundation Character Initiatives.

teacher in classroom

20% Nonprofit Tuition Discount for Leadership Degree

If you are an employee from a 501(c) nonprofit organization, you can take advantage of a 20% tuition discount in the online Master of Higher Education Leadership, Master of Organizational Leadership, and Master of Sports Leadership degrees. Submit a letter from your employer verifying your employment. Contact us to learn more.

20% Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Tuition Discount

We want to give back to our Naperville community that has been our home for many years. So we've partnered together with Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC) to provide you a more accessible and affordable pathway to earn your master's degree.

  • NACC members and employees from affiliated companies will receive 20% off tuition through select graduate programs.
Naperville area chamber of commerce discount

Tuition Payments

Although the financial aid will help eligible students with a portion of the costs, you may have a remaining balance not covered by financial aid. Some options for covering the remaining balance include a payment plan or private student loans.  Contact the Financial Aid Office at 630-637-5600 with questions about loans, or contact Student Accounts with any questions about your bill at 630-637-5689.