Graduate Financial Aid

Graduate Aid and Costs

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Financial Aid Office

North Central College administers federal and private sources of financial aid to graduate students. The most common source of assistance is the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Graduate students are eligible for up to $20,500 annually (summer, fall, and spring). In order to receive federal loans, students must complete the FAFSA. In addition to the unsubsidized loan, students may also apply for a credit-based Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan if needed. As an alternative, students may also consider Private Education Loans as a source of educational funding. Students can use our search tool, ELMSelect, to apply for private loans.

We encourage students to monitor their federal and private loan interest rates annually as they are subject to change. Student can view their federal loan history through their StudentAid account. 

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:

  • Be a U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • Be degree-seeking (not a student-at-large)
  • Enrolled at least half time (3 credit hours) 

2022-23 Cost of Attendance

Tuition increases annually.

2022-23 Academic Year Programs Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour Total Credit Hours
Master of Business Administration $879 36
Master of Financial Management $879 36
Master of Human Resource Management $879 36
Certificate in Financial Management $789 15
Certificate in Human Resource Management $789 15
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies $789 30
Master of Arts in Professional and Creative Writing $789 36
Certificate in Creative Writing $789 9
Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership $789 36
Master of Arts Organizational Leadership $789 36
Master of Arts in Sports Leadership $789 36
Master of Education in Educational Leadership $598 36
Master of Education in Instructional Coaching $598 34
Certificate in Trauma Informed Educational Practices for Children and Adolescents $598 9
Master of Athletic Training $600 55
Master of Occupational Therapy (2021-2023 Cohort) $870 82
Master of Occupational Therapy (2022-2024 Cohort) $900 82
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (2022-2024 Cohort) $891 123
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (2023-2025 Cohort) $927 123
Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate $700 30
Doctor of Physical Therapy (2023-2025 Cohort) $875 112

Scholarships and Tuition Discounts

Only one North Central College tuition discount can be applied annually.

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 per semester. Graduate health profession programs are not eligible.

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.

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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 Select Degrees

If you are an employee from a 501(c) nonprofit organization, you can take advantage of a 20% tuition discount in the 100% online non-health graduate programs. Submit a letter from your employer verifying your employment when you apply.

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.