Naperville – North Central College has once again brought national recognition to our community. In the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, the school placed No. 18 among the Top Private Colleges in the Regional Universities Midwest category and rose to No. 23 out of 171 institutions in the overall regional rankings.
Value, mobility and veteran support highlighted
The college also moved up three spots from last year to land at No. 24 in the Best Value Schools category. In addition, it earned a place on the Top Performers on Social Mobility list, underscoring its commitment to helping students from all backgrounds succeed.
For the third consecutive year, North Central was ranked among the top ten Best Colleges for Veterans, reflecting its long‑standing dedication to serving those who have served our country.
Strong academic programs and record enrollment
President Abiódún Gòkè‑Paríolá praised the achievements, saying, “Recognition from U.S. News & World Report reflects our sustained commitment to providing students with more than just a degree. North Central College provides a deeply personal and highly supportive educational experience that prepares students for real‑world success and impact.” He added that the college’s location in the “world‑class city of Naperville” offers students valuable internship and research opportunities.
The rankings also highlighted North Central’s undergraduate engineering and psychology programs, both of which have earned national accreditation and strong reputations among employers.
Historic enrollment numbers
Enrollment this year reached an all‑time high of 3,218 students for the 2026‑27 academic year, marking the third consecutive year of record totals. The figure includes 527 graduate students and a historic 2,691 undergraduates, surpassing the previous year’s undergraduate record of 2,632.
Founded in 1861, the college describes itself as “Naperville’s University.” Situated just 28 miles west of Chicago, the campus serves more than 3,200 students with a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including nationally accredited business and health‑science degrees.
What this means for families and the community
For families exploring higher‑education options, the college’s strong rankings and value proposition provide reassurance that a North Central education can deliver both academic quality and financial prudence. Prospective students can learn more at northcentralcollege.edu/why-ncc, apply at northcentralcollege.edu/admissions/apply, or schedule a campus visit at northcentralcollege.edu/admissions/visit.
Original reporting: Positively Naperville (Aurora area) — read the source article.
