Intensive English Program
Learn English at North Central College
Are you interested in studying an undergraduate degree at North Central but need to study English beforehand? Do you want to study English intensively to meet academic or professional goals?
If you answered yes to either question, the Intensive English Program could be a great fit for you.
This program is perfect for students who...
- have a high-beginning to low-advanced English proficiency. If you don't know, ask!
- want classes taught by professional instructors with advanced degrees in teaching multilingual students.
- enjoy small classes with personalized attention.
- want a pathway into North Central College undergraduate degrees.
- value a safe and friendly community. Naperville is ranked No. 1 among “Best Cities to Live in America” by Niche in 2024 and ranked No. 1 among “Best Places to Live in Illinois” by niche.com, 2024
Calendar Overview for ELI Terms
| Term | Arrival | Orientation | Class Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2024 | June 5 | June 6-7 | June 10 - August 2 |
| Fall 2024 | August 13 | August 14-16 | August 21 - December 11 |
| Spring 2025 | January 2 | January 3 | January 6 - April 30 |
Each semester is made of two 8-week sessions. Limited mid-semester entry may be available for part-time or students who are interested in short-term study. Mid-semester entry is not available for students who intend to study at North Central in the future. Part-time and mid-semester entry students do not complete levels at the same pace as full-time students who begin in August or January.
English Language Institute Cost Estimates Through Summer 2024
| Cost Estimates: Fall 2023 - Summer 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Full-time Tuition & Fees (4 classes) | $3,145 |
| Room & Food | $3,302 |
| Activity Fee & Books | Included |
| Personal Expenses | $225 |
| Medical Insurance | $310 |
| Total (per 8 week term) | $6,982 |
English Language Institute Cost Estimates 2024-2025 Academic Year
| Cost Estimates 2024-2025 | Cost Per Semester | Cost Per Academic Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $6,340 | $12,680 |
| Housing and Food | $6,781 | $13,562 |
| Course Materials and Equipment | Included | Included |
| Personal Expenses | $450 | $900 |
| Medical Insurance | $800 | $1,600 |
| Total | $14,371 | $28,742 |
The cost information is an estimate and should be used as a guide to help you plan for your education.
Do you want to continue into undergraduate studies after studying in the Intensive English Program? Learn more below!
Conditional Admission Frequently Asked Questions
What is conditional admission?
Conditional admission is admission to an undergraduate degree at North Central. Students who do conditional admission choose to meet the English proficiency requirement by studying in our Intensive English Program.
Why conditional admission instead of taking a test like the TOEFL or IELTS?
Students who study in the Intensive English program gain many benefits. A few include:
- improving English while doing tasks and projects very similar to those in university - our conditional students usually have an excellent GPA after they go into university coursework.
- getting more scholarship! All fulltime ELI tuition paid is applied as a scholarship over four years of undergraduate study.
- gaining knowledge of campus and faculty and making friends.
Who can be conditionally admitted?
Students interested in undergraduate study who meet requirements for our degree programs but still need to meet English proficiency requirements.
How do I apply for conditional admission?
- Complete the online undergraduate application and mark that you would like to be considered for conditional admission.
- Submit a $100 English Language Institute deposit using the Credit Card Payment Authorization Form or flywire.
Optional Documents:
- A personal statement (1-2 pages) describing your degree and career plans and how North Central can help you achieve them
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher or instructor
- English proficiency documentation
Can I get scholarships?
- Yes, for your undergraduate studies. 100% of admitted international students get a scholarship.
- We have a special scholarship, the ELI to Degree scholarship, for students who go through the ELI to achieve English proficiency. All fulltime ELI tuition paid is applied as a scholarship over four years of undergraduate study.
- Learn more about our scholarships here!
When will I know if I have conditional admission?
After your application is complete, we review your file and let you know your admission status and scholarship eligibility within approximately two weeks. Detailed undergraduate application instructions can also be found on our International Undergraduate Admission page.
Other Program Benefits and Resources
Campus Resources for Students
- Full access to North Central College computer, recreational, cultural, and health facilities
- Participation in the International Club, one of the most active clubs on campus
- Participation in North Central College clubs and recreational sports
- Convenient housing in campus residence halls
- Walking distance to downtown Naperville and to the commuter train to Chicago
- Free campus internet access and laundry
