Shimer College

Since 1861, North Central has been a place where new ideas lead to unlimited possibilities. We’re an independent college dedicated to the power of the liberal arts and sciences to transform students into leaders both in their careers and communities. Our nearly 3,000 students study across more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, with their education made richer by supportive faculty and staff, world-class facilities and countless opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.

Building on the foundation of more than 150 years of excellence, North Central continues to grow with numerous new facilities, programs and initiatives in the works.

Since the founding of this great college in 1861, the vision of first president Augustine A. Smith has been at the core of our values: “A college should be a great moral lighthouse, sending out a clear and steady light upon all subjects that pertain to the well-being of [humanity] in this world and the world to come.” While our context has evolved dramatically, it's hard to imagine a time when this vision for higher education is more important than today.

At North Central, you’ll find a vibrant and caring community where students collect donations for coat drives, debate cases on the Mock Trial team and simply relax by playing laser tag. Sharing experiences, helping others and making lifelong friends are hallmarks of student life at North Central.

Our master's degrees will challenge you to apply theory into practice. We encourage collaboration among our students, which is why you’ll learn in teams across different disciplines just as you do in professional settings. With classes offered in the evenings, you can keep your job while earning your degree.

For over 30 years, North Central College graduate students have become ethical and purposeful leaders in local, national, and global contexts. So, whether you are looking to advance your business career, develop leadership skills, increase your appreciation for liberal arts, or be at the forefront of education, we invite you to join our community of learners that will help you grow professionally and personally to impact the lives of others.

You’ll learn from faculty experts who’ve been where you want to go. Whether leading a school district, global business unit or team of developers, our instructors have extensive professional expertise to pass on to you. And with our small class sizes, you’ll get their undivided attention.

We offer merit- and need-based financial aid, graduate assistant positions, and work study opportunities to help you pay for college. Your life goals are well within reach at North Central.

Eligible employees from local businesses and school districts can receive 20% off tuition in five of our graduate degrees. Graduate assistantships are designed to provide professional experiences that complement your studies and offer 100% tuition remission. Graduate students may complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for federal direct loan opportunities. New graduate students who are recommended by an alumnus/alumna of a North Central graduate program can receive a scholarship.

North Central is a small college, but our classroom spans the globe. So our community invites you to celebrate the diversity and cultural wonders of the entire human community. In fact, North Central is one of only five institutions in the world to receive the 2015 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization. Led by our Center for Global Education, we've earned this recognition by greatly expanding both our study abroad program offerings and our welcome to international students who come from around the world to enjoy being central.

Study abroad can be a transforming experience. At North Central College, we encourage you to experience life in a culture beyond our national boundaries. The Center for Global Education offers over 50 programs around the world, for all majors, minors, budgets and comfort zones. You will be carefully advised by our study abroad advisors in the process of choosing the one that is best for you.

North Central College was founded in 1861, during the Civil War. We were called Plainfield College then, and we were one of the few colleges welcoming women as well as men. From the very beginning we set ourselves apart as an institution committed to wisdom as well as knowledge. Our first president, A.A. Smith, an ardent abolitionist, said, “A college should be a great moral lighthouse, sending out a clear and steady light upon all subjects….”

Over the years, thousands of dedicated students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends have helped us thrive through the toughest challenges – wars, economic crises, social upheavals, and more – and build a future brilliant with hope and promise.

We’ve met the changing needs of students from Civil War veterans to millennial entrepreneurs. And we’ve always stayed true to our heritage of moral courage and forward thinking.

Today we’re a top-ranked private comprehensive college of the liberal arts and sciences. U.S. News & World Report counts us among “America’s Best Colleges,” one of the top six schools in the Midwest for a “strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.” Students choose from more than 55 undergraduate majors and five graduate program areas.