Admitted First-Years

Congratulations on your admission to North Central College. We can't wait to welcome you to campus! North Central is more than just a world-class education. It's a place that will help you exceed your personal best: in the classroom, in the lab, in your career and in life.

Here you will find information designed to help you take the next steps in becoming a Cardinal. 

You did it! Now it's time to celebrate the moment and let the world know you are #CardinalBound. From party decorations to Instagram filters and thank-you cards to mobile wallpapers—we’ve got everything you need to show off your Cardinal Pride! Explore and download these digital freebies.

Submit your $100 tuition deposit to ensure your place in the class at North Central. If you plan to reside on campus, you will also submit your housing deposit at this time. Please see below for more information regarding on-campus housing. You can submit your deposit online, by check using the postage-free envelope provided in your acceptance packet, or by contacting the Office of Admission at 630-637-5800 to submit a credit card deposit. Deposits are nonrefundable.

If you plan to live on campus, complete and submit your online housing application with a $100 room deposit to reserve your space in the residence halls. You will need your North Central login credentials to complete the questionnaire; please refer to your acceptance packet for those details. Housing deposits must be submitted with a tuition deposit. All deposits are non-refundable. Residence Life provides a list of items to bring (or not bring) to your residence hall room.

For more information on freshman scholarships based on your academic and co-curricular interests, please reach out to your admission counselor. Beginning October 1st: Complete your financial aid paperwork, including the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) form. North Central's FAFSA code is 001734.

Whether you have been here before or fell in love with campus from afar, there's always something new to experience: sit in on a class, talk with a faculty member or coach, check out a theatre performance and so much more! We have custom visit days to fit your busy schedule. Register for a visit!

Sign in to your official North Central email account. You’ll be receiving important information relating to next steps and financial aid at this address. Your log-in credentials were provided in your acceptance packet. If you need assistance determining your login credentials, please contact the Office of Admission at admissions@noctrl.edu or 630-637-5800. ​​​​​​If you cannot remember your login information, you can reset your account password.

Submit your immunization records. Students cannot register for Orientation and classes until their immunization records have been received at the College. Immunization records can be faxed to 630-637-5554. E-mail the Dyson Wellness Center at dysonwellness@noctrl.edu if you have questions.

Attend your Summer Orientation session. Before you attend, you'll receive a survey in the spring and confirm program dates that work for you and your family. You'll then receive your official invitation. Orientation is a full day event, with student sessions and a separate family program. Please contact the Orientation Team at 630-637-5410 or orientation@noctrl.edu with questions. 

Make arrangements to have your final high school transcript and any college or university transcripts sent to North Central College.

Degree-seeking students may receive credit by examination through the Advanced Placement Program. Visit the Registrar's Office for more information.

Did you take a college course during high school? Please request official college or university transcripts to be sent to North Central College. If you attended a local community college, see if your course transfers to North Central by viewing our course substitution guides.

Before the first day of classes, you will need to complete a few online training modules. North Central is committed to maintaining a safe and positive learning, working, social and residential environment. 

Complete Online Training Modules

Determine which books and supplies you'll need for each class by regularly checking Merlin as your start term approaches.  Books are available for purchase or rent at the Campus Store.

Cardinal First is an award-winning program designed to create a community among our first-generation college students, faculty and staff. Aimed at helping you succeed in the classroom, getting you involved on campus, and supporting you in numerous ways, this nationally recognized program offers a network of peers, the opportunity for scholarship, monthly workshops and meaningful engagement opportunities from your first day on campus through graduation.

If you are a veteran, contact Julie Carballo or call 630-637-5155 to schedule your required benefits meeting to discuss necessary paperwork.  If you are eligible to receive veteran benefits as a dependent, contact Therese Lux or call 630-637-5254 to schedule your required benefits meeting. Be sure to check out all available Veteran Services.

North Central College students are eligible to participate in the U.S. Army ROTC Rolling Thunder Battalion or the U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachment 195 leading to a commission as a military officer. In addition to having the full undergraduate experience at North Central, cadets take one ROTC course per term at either Wheaton College (Army ROTC) or Illinois Institute of Technology (Air Force ROTC). Ten credit hours of military science course work is accepted in transfer credit toward your North Central degree.

For more information about being a ROTC cadet at North Central College, including the North Central ROTC Room & Board grant, contact Julie Carballo, Veteran & Military Student Services Coordinator at ROTC@noctrl.edu or 630-637-5155.