...everything communication between students and administrators for one. administrators act as if they are a "boss" I have many complaints of bullying from people tand they ignore all of them I have never been granted an audience of listeners, and the only ears created their own unfair, biased, and wrong perceptions to my situation. Please read other reviews, they are ALL negative The Director of Student Engagement Aaron School (ironically not with the university any longer) bullied me to my face ... I have proof, but it is all ignored I complained and Monica in the Provost office wrote a letter full of lies ... my former Advisor quit and nobody cared to inform me Both the Provost and President ignore me THOSE WHO ARE GUILTY IGNORE Now I contact the Board of Trustees If the Trustees fail to do the right thing, then we know this IS NOT a Christian environment...it isn't based on the abuse applied to my life by everyone mentioned and many more read more

Do not go to the DEMSN program especially if you are BLACK or a person of COLOR you will fail out. This program takes in a lot of students that are black and brown and flunks them out it's basically a money grab. They are very strict and have an exam average of 81%; however they only enforce it for some students and not all. This is a great school for whites and Asians not black or hispanic friendly those students fail out the program a lot. Consider going to ELMHURST, ROSALIND FRANKLIN, OR MARQUETTE. You have been warned I have seen people travel far and wide from all over the country to flunk out. The DEMSN program is a pure scam I got kicked out and was on the border of my exam grade with an 80% do not go here its stressful and for white people. read more

If you are planning to attend this school consider this as no other choice on your list. The Dean of this school is very liberal and she can charge her guideline at anytime in our program more than 70% has failed and the teachers always threaten & pressured you if you don't pass you will fail instead of encourage you and help you B and guide you. Don't waste your money and time in a school that they can have b their way to drop you. Very disappointed because my class has failed 70%. I don't believe in this school and they are very fake they won't help you at all after they accept you. It is the cheapest school I have attend read more

For the love of God, DON'T GO TO THIS UNIVERSITY. I was a student worker here, and for the longest time I was trying to get the verifications to receive my hours I ALREADY worked. A lady who was in charge of verifying student workers' information kept on DELAYING the authorizations needed for me IN ORDER to get paid. No matter how many times I tried to talk to her in person, she kept on looking at me like I was stupid and I didn't get paid until a YEAR later. This was only fixed because she didn't work for students accounts anymore. read more

Do NOT go here. This place ruined my life, and the faculty and professors are bullies. I tried to sign up for accommodations and a professor said she'll guide me through the process, I went to her class and she said I didn't need it cause I didn't seem "disabled enough". That event made me have a panic attack and I fainted. The faculty are bullies as well and bullied me out of the university. read more

This is a horrible University with poor Professors and Staff. This is school lacks diversity and I have seen how they treat minorities in a horrible way. The whole environment is a turn off for learning and growth. I spoke to career people that said they really refuse to hire North Park students, because most of the people who work here at this school is not qualified to be here at the higher ed. level. Don't go here for Undergraduate and not even consider this trash at the Graduate level. read more

North Park University is a good school and a historical institution in the community. The students are nicer than other college students. The only issue with international students and even staff who are US citizens for several generations. They are inconsiderate and ignorant about banking. They show up at chase bank thinking they can open accounts on the same day and they dont have proper documentation. read more

Worst school ever. Financial Aid office is useless. They provide very little assistance whatsoever. Their listing of tuition after aid amount is misleading. If you're a transfer student, look at other schools. They make you takes these useless religious courses just to keep getting money from you. Totally senseless ... read more

Such a beautiful campus within the city. Love the grounds, the buildings, the proximity to the river and the people. I had a good experience attending here and met some people who are still a part of my life. I try to visit the campus when I am around and am always amazed at how well kept it is. read more

I love this school. I didn't think that I would get in as I had a very low GPA from undergrad but had a really good resume. I got in and I'm excelling in all of my classes. All colleges have good and bad things about them but so far I really like this one. I'm also older in age so I know the college experience really well. =) Plus it's close to downtown Chicago. There are things to do for people who are under 21. Chicago is full of things to do for anyone to have fun. read more

I also do not love the hardcore Jesus-freaks around here, and feel sort of gypped for having come to what is apparently an "intentionally Christian college" where I have to take 8 hours of "Christ-centered" Bible classes. Uh, I'm Jewish (for which I've occasionally been questioned or alienated since I started here in '05.) Very little mention of the Christ-centricity was made to me when I was applying and getting literature, and none of the Bible class requirements, so again, I feel sort of Shanghai'd. It might be hard to understand what North Park means by "Christ-centered" without taking classes here. The message one gets from professors is consistently of service to the greater good, social justice, and general liberal-Christian values. For example, the entire Spanish department is heavy into liberation theology; expect to hear a lot about it in any given class here. I don't object to this paradigm, but know that you won't be getting an impartial, completely fact-based education. North Park is associated with the Swedish Evangelical Covenant Church; as such there are many Swedes on campus, but even more "Covies" - kids who were raised in the Evangelical Covenant Church, often partly in Ecuador, where the church has some kind of intentional community. I know very little about this denomination, but it strikes me as a sort of lite Lutheranism. The Covies I know are generally very nice people, and nobody's tried to convert me; they have a reputation for being somewhat sheltered, and I have to say that my secular upbringing often makes me feel out of place here. There is definitely much less talk of sex and drugs in the hallways at North Park than at, say, Loyola. I love my program, most of my professors have been brilliant, and commuting isn't hard. Most profs seem to assign much more homework than is typical for other schools, but it would be easier if I opted to live on campus...I'd slap on another star if NPU students got U-Passes. I also didn't get a lot of aid, but 13 large isn't bad for tuition at a good private school. For anyone considering theatre, music, Spanish, or education, I highly suggest North Park. There are some wonderful professors here and these programs in particular don't get the attention they should. It is a pretty, park-y little school and though I'm not jazzed about aforesaid Jesusosity of it, I like going here. read more

I unfortunately went to NPU. The commuting students are cool, but the students who live on-campus are judgmental, stuck-up Bible thumpers. 75% of the professors who teach here are terrible, most of the classes and majors are a joke, if you live on campus who have to abide by a million stupid rules, the on-campus apartments are ridiculously small, and the athletics are below bar. The only reason I do not give NPU 1 Star is b/c I got a lot of financial aid and I have paid off my 1 student loan after 2 years of graduating. If you want to go here, make sure you know what you are getting into read more

Wanted to register for class. Emailed them and never heard back then they tried to put the blame on you that registration ended the day after you emailed them. read more

I am a graduate of North Park University, class of 2014. This school is a relationship based school, you will develop sincere lifelong relationships with classmates and teachers and staff. Most people who attend NPU are connected to the Swedish evangelical covenant church, so that is self explanatory. If you want the big state school fanfare experience you will be sadly disappointed here. It is a small school that has it's pros and cons. But I turned all the cons into pros and really got to know my classmates and networked thoroughly. 2 months after college I found a full time, salary career type position through my North Park connections. So consider the intimate smallness a plus IF you know what you are doing! My education at North Park was well rounded and helped me feel prepared to transition from the classroom to the workforce. Amazing faculty: The Fine Art department (my favorites Nnenna & Jordan), Career Services (especially Ashley & Pasi) and the Communication Arts Department (especially Trujillo & Chad Eric). read more

Wow! This university is truly amazing! It's like bible camp, except with beer (not on campus of course! LOL). Jesus blessed this school with rules and social constructs designed to keep our Swedish-Covenant culture immensely dominant, and quite frankly, I couldn't have been more relieved to go to school at a place EXACTLY LIKE THE ENVIRONMENT I GREW UP IN! What are these God-given rules that keep our campus holy, you ask? Well, first of all, we are proudly required to take eight full credit hours of bible courses, although you do get an option to take world religions aka "why Christianity (specifically the covenant church) is better than every other belief system." Classes like these help strengthen our faith and reinforce the same worldview we had when we first arrived on campus. Most importantly, they give us courage to question the undoubtedly confused beliefs of the unsaved. See, the thing about unsaved people is that they often partake in heretical activities, such as smoking pot or NOT GOING TO COLLEGE LIFE (our Sunday night chapel service). People who commit these detestable acts are toxic to our environment. It is best not to acknowledge their existence. If they still don't go away after being shunned, I would encourage you to slander/gossip about them under the guise of prayer. That should definitely drive them away. Unsaved people make up a small minority of the campus population, so don't get too worried. Anyway, they're pretty much a blessing in disguise because isolating them helps us further strengthen our faith. So far, my favorite part about college is having the opportunity to only hang out with covenant people because here at North Park, we believe that you can only achieve maximum faith if you're constantly surrounded by people who believe in Jesus. Thanks to North Park University, my faith levels are off the charts! May God continue to bless my wonderful school! read more

I knew someone who went here and heard nothing but great things about this Christian college. I used to live in the Albany Park area so I know they are very involved with the community. It's a small but scenic campus. read more

North Park University - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Please Note: This review covers classroom/facilities rental, Brandel Library, Wi-Fi access and grounds only. If you have an event in the area, I would consider NPU as a location. Nice, small, safe campus, convenient area, and at the time of this review, excellent rates. I also am a fan of Brandel Library. read more

I am an administrator assistant at Wilbur Wright College, I was supposed to be transferred at North Park University in Spring 2020, but I was not admitted. Since day one, I knew there was something sketchy, Financial Aid, Allison in Particular told me that a PTK Scholarship is only $750 and in reality it's $2500. Also, Malcolm Parker, from the admission and transfer department told me that I can transfer up to 90 credits from City Colleges of Chicago. When I finished with the needed classes for my BNA, at Wright. I decided to go back in the fall 2021, at North Park University. When I asked what's going on with my account, Student Services said ohh your account is locked because you decided to leave us, this was not the plan, me and Malcolm planned out on me coming back within a year after finishing couple of my classes. I had proof and people to testify about this statement being told to me. Now, since I've been trying to figure out why my credits are not being accepted, I'm told that it's only 60 credits from City Colleges of Chicago will be accepted. When I talked to Malcolm about this, he straight up lied to my face!!! Also, I've already sent the transcript back in May 26th 2021 and they straight up did not evaluated my credits and I was only at 53 being accepted. Today as of August 11th 2021, I finally gotten an answer, after going through a whole tantrum for the past 4 weeks. They finally did the evaluation that was supposed to be done Months ago, however, they still did not honor accepting the credits that I worked so hard for. This Institution picks and chooses who they want to be admitted at their campus. A supervisor finally acknowledges my concern, when I decided to withdraw from this school. At the end, if you ever decide to go to the School, MAKE SURE YOU DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH!! I was a fool to trust an institution that cares about your money, not about your education. It is truly sad, because I was really looking forward to start a new journey in life here. But after what I've been through, I'm glad I never attended a single class at this Institution, because I'm sure I would of had problems with this school in future terms. read more

I agree with Eve's review - when applying for college's this place definitely downplayed its religiousness to me (perhaps intentionally as I am Catholic). I thought it was Christian-affiliated much like DePaul is Catholic-affiliated.Had I known just how much Evangelical Christianity would be shoved down my throat, I definitely would have attended another college. Not only that, but the academics are terrible. Terrible. I had a 3.8 GPA in high school, loved school, and studied a ton. At North Park I didn't buy books (for literature classes...which, you know...require books), skipped classes, and managed to graduate in 3.5 years with a 3.7 GPA. It really is that easy. So easy that I can recommend the challenging classes I had on one hand...and have fingers left over. read more

Thank you North Park University for not refunding my hold money for my son Joseph Dean. I have had to withdraw from admission to university twice now due to deceitful promises of "we will help your son with tuition". Loyola was kind of enough to refund my $500 hold money for classes when they realized I in now way could borrow an addition $80K over the next two years. So then we are guided to you North Park University where the tuition would be less and we would get better discounts because family members have attended the university. After being turned down on additional student loans(I am sorry to say that life's circumstances 10 years ago caused me to file Ch. 13 bankruptcy which is a pay back program, and then being laid off from my job and not finding a new job in time ended my Ch. 13, and 4 years later I was forced to declare Ch. 7 since then, 5 years I have outstanding credit but that bankruptcy does not allow me to co-sign a Discover Student Loan for my son ) outside of the normal Stafford loans which were not enough to cover tuition. I am a single mother with two children. I am a teacher in a charter school on Chicago's Westside, so you can just imagine how underpaid I am. North Park University told me I just have to "EAT" the $200 loss!! I need that money to get him enrolled at Oakton Community College he needs one elective credit to complete his Associates Degree. We have to find a more affordable University!!! The alumni has even called North Park to ask for hardship to get my $200 back, she sent 3 emails and left voice mails and no one will return her call. Isn't that nice! I have even started a Gofundme account for my son too. Trying to raise the difference , a friend suggested I try. read more

Great school....great campus....but they lost a star because they built this huge new gymnasium after i graduated!

How much you like North Park will depend on your major (in my opinion). The building that houses science, psychology, math, and engineering classes (Johnson Center) is definitely the best building on campus. Its classrooms look amazing. But buildings where most other classes are need to be updated. I won't say which major I am specifically, but it's one of the social science majors. Most of my classes are in rooms that are shabby and run down. It feels like science majors are prioritized more, so if you're majoring in something else, consider another school. I will say, however, that I liked most of my professors. read more

Our son went to North Park University for three years. He finished junior year( his first of a two year nursing program ) he passed three nursing rotations that year with a B average. He received a failing grade on his last nursing class and was told he had to leave the program. His ending GPA was 3.21. the class teacher was only available once a week to help struggling students. And if you had another class during that review class, you were out of luck. No option was given to retake the class. Their response to our frustration was that he should change majors. At the end of the day, we felt like our son worked hard, got good grades and when he needed the school to support him they threw him out. We were never told but lack of flexibility that exists when a student fails one class. We are finding other nursing programs to be more flexible. Future students please beware of this as you consider to enroll in this University for nursing. We are a family that believes there are no free rides but we think it is also important to deal with a department that actually cares about the student. We had no such experience:( read more

I've never stepped foot inside of North Park before, but i did go to high school down the street at Northside Prep. On the campus of North Park there is this great little gazebo that was my favorite place to make out with girls after open mics on Thursday nights at school. Nothing like a little poetry, then climbing on roofs drinking whiskey from a military canteen topped off with teenage make-out sessions in a gazebo. Thanks North Park! read more

The North Park School of Adult Learning or SAL as it is called is at times a bit unorganized. For the most part the faculty is helpful. The problem is that with certain majors such as criminal justice, it seems as though they make up the rules as they go along. It's not a bad place to further your education, but I'd have a hard time not recommending you look else where. read more

I have to echo Edwin R. and Derek G. Worst school EVER! The SAL program is a joke. The education is so watered down and the expectation level is so low everyone passes each class with an A. This school did everything wrong by me from enrolling me into the wrong program to skipping my name at graduation 3 times and even getting my name wrong on student records even after I sent documentation a year ago to have it corrected. Staff and administration just don't care. For everything that has gone wrong for me, I never once even received an apology. All they see is $$$$ signs. SAL (School of Adult Learning) is a mess as is the traditional program. The only plus side of the SAL program is you don't really need to buy the books, you'll never use them! Find another school to go attend and give your hard earned money to. This place is not worth it. read more

Beautiful campus. It has that suburb feel to it within the city. The buildings are up to date and very student friendly. Teachers and advisors are always willing to answer questions, they try to make appointments with you within the same day to better answer your questions. Literally everyone is just so kind and helpful! I highly recommend this school. It's a little gem within the North park/Albany park area! read more

North Park University truly teaches its students the power of a well-crafted testimonial. The way in which students reflect on the miracles which God has graced us with makes me weak in the knees. These students are the tinder which will maintain the flame of worship burning bright into the future. I think the university attracts a particular type of student. While admittedly cheesy, I believe NPU students really have a sense of what is important, steering away from the bland aspects of life we tend to get caught up in and focusing instead on the spice of life. They are also very cute. read more

Just found out the NPU does not accept VISA card for tuition payments! You must have Discover, Mastercard or pay cash/check. How bizarre is that. Who doesn't accept VISA? Called them and they said that VISA would not sign an agreement with NPU's payment processing company. Sounds suspicious. I suspect VISA would not agree to let this company tack on their whopping 2.5% charge for using a credit card. Ridiculous. read more

The campus is beautiful!!!! Its provided a small town feel right within the big city. The chapel was nice and the all the buildings I saw were clean and well kept. College staff was also friendly. read more

I graduated from npu couple years ago. Basically, hated it at first...didnt like the spoiled brats who lived in a bubble there whole life, but found my niche and met some lifelong friends like Jessica V. All in all I wouldnt trade my memories for anything. oh yea, three stars because they should offer more majors and they dont have a pool or indoor track or a student union. But dont let that deter you, it is a great place. read more

I go to North Park, and coming from U of I in Champaign I really appreciate the small-college feel. My experience with North Park so far has been almost all good - nursing and education programs are great here and the professors are some of the best I've ever had. read more

i was in the nursing prog at npu between 2008-2010. i was one of the older students in my class (late 30's) but was welcomed and respected by all of my classmates which were early 20's. the teachers who are nurses with masters and doctorates are smart and witty. enjoyed my 2 years there. can't say it was easy. married with 3 kids and a full time job wasn't easy to juggle but made it thru even passing my boards. i am aware of other reviews where people put down the "christian" aspect of npu but as a christian, i felt there wasn't enough at time. oh well, sometimes these matters are subjective depending of our upbringing. if you are considering a solid nursing program, consider north park. my wife also graduated from npu in the nursing program and know many other nurses in many of the hospitals in the north shore chicago area that are working in different levels of nursing. best of luck when you select a college or program for your future. i gave 4 stars because i really enjoyed my time at npu. i enjoy running into my classmates and teachers in the hospitals. read more

Very shitty school, they make themselves look good at first but then later stop caring about students. They have lots of hidden fees. The staff are very rude and act like if they hated there jobs. This school is laughed upon at higher universities , very judgmental people here and not a welcoming community for anyone besides Christians who are in worship groups and stuff. The food sucks. Not many options for dining. Advisors for course selections aren't helpful or knowledgable of their own department. When trying to ask for help to pick classes ,my advisor literally said you pick. Not very helpful. Night life is the worst, nothing to do at all if you aren't 21 and want to go downtown. Housing rules are ridiculous , can't even have family sleep over even if they're from another state, visitation hours end at 12! I'm not some student who is writing a hate rant: this university once was good but it's slowly getting worse and worse. Don't come here. You'll transfer. Oh also the campus has no procedures for shootings which happen often. And don't even bother calling security for any help, they take more than 30 min even if on campus already. read more

The school is not helpful at all when it comes to financial aid. When I told them that i couldn't afford to pay the full tuition, they just tried to slap on more loan money. I was thoroughly frustrated. I had to fight them to help me lower the tuition. I had great grades and they still didnt want to help me. DO NOT COME HERE read more

I'm conflicted in writing this review. On the one hand, I really enjoyed the professors, cleanliness, and scholarships. If that were all I was assessing then I'd definitely opt for a higher rating. However, I cannot give a high rating due to the amazingly poor social environment at NPU -- at least for someone who's not blond, from Minnesota, evangelical, or related to a pastor. I'm not denigrating anyone who happens to meet these qualifications; rather, I'm highlighting the homogeneous and cliquey mainstay of students that attend NPU. It's strange that, given NPU's mission to be open-minded and inclusive, their normative student body is anything but, although there is a clear facade of these values (along with themes of social justice, liberation theology, and open-dialogue). While everyone is sugary sweet and seemingly empathetic, there is an awkward approach students use to network, often called "outreach." Equally strange is the Covenant Church. It is purportedly free of dogma not found in the Bible, yet questioning long-standing dogmas (e.g., the Trinity) is frowned upon. The atmosphere is like an episode of the Twilight Zone, where everything looks too good to be true until one actually infiltrates the weird, incestuous world of Swedish evangelicalism. Students pride themselves in going to an "urban" university, yet the campus itself is like an idyllic suburb via 1950. It was shocking to find out that many students rarely left the general vicinity. As someone raised on the south side and used to the innercity, it was so strange to attend school here. In other words, this is not a commuter-friendly school. If you fit the bill then you'll love it; if not, then focus on your studies and you'll have a good academic experience. The facilities are actually really nice and, if you can get past all the Christ-loving going on, it's a good alternative to some of the other private universities in Chicago. However, if you really want to experience diversity, openness, and urban learning then go to UIC. I'm currently in grad school there and it's a great place to learn, network, and grow intellectually. read more

If you have any respect for your time, or money, don't go here. I went here because I was majoring in Nursing and they had a late admission date. Probably one of the biggest mistakes of my life. Not only is this school expensive for the mediocre education that you get, but the professors have no respect for students. Also, no one is helpful. I went to a school in Wisconsin prior to attending here that was public, and after my experience here, I would warn anyone not to go here. In my wildest dreams did I ever think that a school could be ran so poorly. I am a commuter student, and not only are there no options for food on the main part of campus, the only other options around the school are fast food, or a teeny tiny Swedish restaurant that I'm convinced has no owner and is ran by rude North Park students. Not a day goes by when I am not frustrated beyond comprehension about this school. I am so discouraged about everything in my life because I chose to go here, and I am embarrassed to tell people where I go to school. Learn from other's mistakes, and don't even put this on your list of potential schools. read more

I wouldn't recommend attending this university if you aren't a die hard christian. They aren't welcoming to Jews, Muslims or atheists. It is incredibly conservative and has a environment similar to high school. The students aren't very mature-most are unwilling to see beyond their upbringing and belief system. The campus is in a dangerous area of the city and is very run down. They don't have any up to date facilities and don't offer any extra curricular activities. There internship program is a joke unless you're willing to work for free. The tuition is high for the little that they offer and the quality of education is very poor. I learned nothing new about my subject during my year of attendance. If you're attending this university to save money I recommend a more financial established school like loyola or depaul. These universities have a higher tuition cost but provide more in scholarship and grant money than north park. This university has a relatively low endowment and are clearly struggling financially. Both Loyola and Depaul have superior facilities, reputation and quality of education. read more