North Central University located in downtown Minneapolis

About North Central

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North Central University is a Christian university in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a Bible-based and Pentecostal foundation and a commitment to academic excellence. North Central prepares students to fulfill biblical models of leadership and ministry throughout the world.

As it says in Ephesians 4:11-12, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up,” we work hard to equip our students for service and leadership locally and globally.

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Sobre North Central University

At North Central, we are:

  • Christ-followers guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit and God’s Word
  • Lifelong learners in the highest tradition of Christian scholarship
  • Leaders serving and empowering others in the church and throughout the world
  • Ministers communicating Christ’s love and the Holy Spirit’s power through word and action

Learn more about our mission and vision.

Our history

North Central University was founded in 1930 as North Central Bible Institute, and in the following years experienced growing enrollment, expanded programs, and the change to North Central University in 1998.

Located in the heart of Minneapolis, we’re a comprehensive, primarily residential university owned and operated by 11 Assemblies of God districts of the upper Midwest.

Learn more about our history.

Our Spirit-empowered community

At North Central, we’re passionate about our faith. Christ is at the center of our experience, and we encounter God every day, together. From daily chapel to service opportunities to living in community, we strive to create a higher education learning environment where your knowledge of Scripture will grow and you’ll experience the power of the Holy Spirit in your life.

A quality university in Minneapolis

Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, North Central is one of the most uniquely located Christian colleges in Minnesota. Students have opportunities for ministry and career right at their doorstep.

Many of our students are active in local neighborhoods sharing the Gospel and the love of Christ with those who are desperately in need. Not waiting for graduation to serve those around them, North Central students are making a difference in the world right now. Students experience this and other hands-on learning opportunities and career preparation unique to a Christian college in Minnesota.

Our commitment to students

The most important part of college is preparing for the rest of your life. Our highest priority is making sure you have everything you need to reach your personal and professional goals and getting you ready to be a leader and a servant in the world.

We offer a wide variety of co-curricular activities to our students—sports, music, theatre, student newspaper, ministry teams, student government, and many others—all of them giving you opportunities to make new friends, develop leadership skills, and be a part of something you enjoy. We emphasize leadership development, which is why North Central has more than 160 leadership positions occupied by students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. North Central University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 

No. North Central University is a verified 501c3 non-profit university.

Yes. North Central University was founded in 1930 and we have called downtown Minneapolis our home ever since. We proudly prepare students for global leadership and ministry through top-quality academic programs, a spirit-empowered community, and an exciting downtown Minneapolis campus. The most recent data indicates that 94% of respondents had obtained employment within 6 months after graduation.

Yes! North Central provides financial aid to all of its students! Students may also apply for federal assistance through FAFSA.

The student to faculty ratio at NCU is 15:1

NCU has over 60 academic programs, including majors and minors.

NCU has 5 different colleges. The College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Technology, College of Fine Arts, College of Church Leadership, and the College of Graduate and Professional Education.