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North Park University — ROI, Cost & Payback

Private nonprofit · Chicago, IL · 1,818 students

The verdict

North Park University charges a net price of $16,948/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $67,792. Graduates earn a median $59,572 ten years after entry, $11,212/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 6 years — a 20-year net return of $156,448, a solid payback. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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North Park University's 6-year payback ranks #527 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 59% of them, and #18 of 116 in Illinois.

Better ROI than 59% of US colleges#527 of 1,280
Weakest ROIStrongest ROI
$16,948
Net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$59,572
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
6 yrs
Payback
Our math, 2026
69%
Admission rate
Scorecard, 2026
North Park University: cost, earnings and payback
MeasureValueSource
Net price (after aid)$16,948/yrScorecard, 2026
Total net cost (4 yrs)$67,792our math
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry$59,572Scorecard, 2026
Earnings premium over HS baseline$11,212/yrour math
Median debt (completers)$25,500Scorecard, 2026
Payback6 yrsour math
20-year net return$156,448our math

College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.

How we compute this. Payback = total net cost ÷ annual earnings premium, where the premium is median earnings 10 years after entry minus the $48,360 baseline (BLS 2024 median for a high-school-diploma worker 25+). Total net cost = net price × 4 years. We do not discount future dollars. The institution-wide earnings figure blends every major — a specific program's payback can be far better or worse. Full method on the methodology page.

North Park University: frequently asked questions

Is North Park University worth the cost?
On the numbers, yes. North Park University charges $16,948/yr after aid ($67,792 over 4 years), and graduates earn a median $59,572 ten years out — $11,212/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. That clears the cost in 6 years and returns $156,448 net over 20 years, a solid payback.
How long does a North Park University degree take to pay off?
About 6 years. We divide the $67,792 four-year net cost by the $11,212/yr earnings premium over the high-school baseline. It is a floor, not a ceiling — mid-career raises pay it back faster.
How much does North Park University cost after financial aid?
The median net price is $16,948/yr — about $67,792 over 4 years. That is what the typical aided student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the published sticker price.
How does North Park University compare to other Illinois colleges?
It ranks #18 of 116 Illinois colleges we track by payback. Its $59,572 median earnings beat the national median of $43,552, and its $16,948 net price is above the national median of $16,906.