Life at NCU
Thrive in a Christ-Centered Community
At North Central University, we experience Jesus’ affirmation, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). We want to be open to sharing Jesus’ gospel and following the Holy Spirit, so we have built the student experience around engaging in community.
Each student is here to grow as a whole person — not just to complete a degree — and we’re here to help you develop personally, professionally, and spiritually. Residential undergraduates, graduate students, and online students can all take part in our supportive, multicultural community, though it may look and feel different for each learning pathway.
Our beautiful downtown Minneapolis campus encourages students and faculty to share space as we share ideas and grow in our faith, and our online courses are designed to encourage connection and collaboration across regions and time zones.
Experience NCU
Around our downtown campus, meaningful interactions take place in classes, during daily chapel, in residence halls, and over meals. We extend our community out to our neighbors through service opportunities, ministry, and professional development. Students enrolled in online programs can join chapel and connect with their classmates virtually.
Watch our video to learn what it’s like to be a student at North Central University.
Residential Life and Meals
Living on campus in residence halls fosters community building from day one. Make yourself at home in modern, comfortable accommodations with caring resident advisors and supportive peers who are sharing this experience with you. Explore our residence halls.
Life on campus also means that you’ll have access to balanced, delicious meals to fuel your learning and experience cultural cuisines in the NCU cafeteria. You’ll have several options on one of our student meal plans. Minneapolis is also home to diverse food options with flavors from around the world!
Community in Downtown Minneapolis
North Central’s campus is located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Minneapolis is a thriving, exciting, culturally rich city with much to offer curious lifelong learners. Visit local museums, taste your way around the globe, and patronize performing arts. Students, faculty, and staff live, work, study, and build community with local churches and businesses – showing God’s love through servant leadership.
We make it a priority to get to know our neighbors and work to make our community a better place. At North Central, you’ll have opportunities to serve others locally and globally while you develop your leadership and ministry skills. There are dozens of outreach and service organizations, ministry groups, and churches within blocks of campus.
Live out your faith and prepare for a fulfilling career by interning at one of the Twin Cities’ 19 Fortune 500 companies and making connections to last a lifetime. We’ve built relationships and trust among our downtown community, and several industry leaders look to us when they have opportunities for jobs and internships.
Life After NCU
Prepare to succeed and experience new opportunities to live your calling with clarity and courage. Stay connected with local businesses and organizations, plug into our successful alumni network, and explore internships and real-world experiences. You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills you need to build a bold future and resilient faith for the real world.
FAQs
Is downtown Minneapolis safe?
NCU campus is located in downtown Minneapolis in the neighborhood of Elliot Park. The area is considered generally safe, and as with all large city settings, it’s important to exercise healthy caution and awareness, particularly if walking alone at night. Crime rates in downtown have been trending down in the past couple of years.1 The area around our campus is also well lit and sees plenty of foot traffic.
NCU has dedicated campus security staff who continue to ensure our students, faculty, and guests are safe while we stay connected with our neighbors and the community around us. Learn more about our safety policies and procedures.
Do I need a car to live in Minneapolis?
You do not need a car to live in Minneapolis while attending NCU, but that depends on your extracurricular activities. The city overall has a high Walk Score of 71, which means “Minneapolis is very walkable.”2 It’s also a great city for biking, and adequate public transportation is available if you need to get around downtown or beyond.
Does the NCU cafeteria serve students with allergies?
Yes, the cafeteria at NCU is managed by knowledgeable nutrition staff who can help people with allergies, intolerances, and specific dietary needs navigate their options. Because we want to be conscious of potential cross contamination, we ask that diners connect with our staff about their allergies ahead of dining with us, and that they let us know of any changes. If you have any dietary needs, email ADA@northcentral.edu.
Can I visit campus before I decide to attend NCU?
Yes! We invite prospective students and their families to visit NCU as you consider your education options. Being on campus can help you figure out which school is the right fit. There are several ways to visit campus, including Preview Days, Events, NCU Days, Virtual Tours, and more! Learn more and plan your campus visit.
Citations
Sources: 1Crime Dashboard, Minneapolis City of Lakes, on the internet, at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/government-data/datasource/crime-dashboard/ (viewed Oct. 31, 2025). 2
Living in Minneapolis, Walk Score, on the internet, at https://www.walkscore.com/MN/Minneapolis (viewed Oct. 31, 2025).