Rankings, Recognition, and Accreditations
Legacy of Academic Excellence
North Central University is committed to excellence in academic scholarship and spiritual formation. Our expert faculty and staff and every student in our community play a role in our success. We’re proud of each accolade and accreditation and what we learn from loving God along the way. These are just a few of the rankings, recognitions, and accreditations we’re proud of at NCU.
Top 5 Performer on Social Mobility
Ranked among Regional Colleges in the Midwest for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report
19 Best Regional Colleges
Ranked in the Midwest for Best Regional Colleges 2026 by U.S. News & World Report
24 Best Value Schools
Ranked among Regional Colleges in the Midwest for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report
Featured in Worship Leader Magazine
Editor’s Pick for “influencing worship around the globe” in 2015
More than 40 NCU Students included and counting!
Named in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges
University and Program Accreditations
North Central University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Approvals and Registrations
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements initiative
North Central University is an institutional participant in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements initiative (NC-SARA) and is listed on the NC-SARA website. Questions pertaining to accrediting issues may be directed to the Provost. Questions pertaining to the conformity of North Central University to the criteria of NC-SARA may be directed to NC-SARA.
Department of Education of the State of Minnesota
Approved by the Department of Education of the State of Minnesota for training of veterans and war orphans under Public Laws 358, 634, 87-815.
Minnesota State Board of Teaching
Approved by the Minnesota State Board of Teaching, which allows certification for teachers in elementary education K-6 with endorsements in 5-8 Communication Arts & Literature, 5-8 Mathematics, and 5-8 Social Studies, as well as for 5-12 Communication Arts & Literature, 5-12 Mathematics, 5-12 Social Studies, and K-12 Vocal and Classroom Music.
United States Department of Justice
Approved by the United States Department of Justice for the training of foreign students.
Minnesota Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Approved by the State of Minnesota, Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, for training students with disabilities.
Minnesota Office of Higher Education
Registered with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to Minnesota Statutes sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions.
Affiliations and Memberships
- American Sign Language Honor Society, founded by the American Sign Language Teacher’s Association Honor Society
- Kappa Delta Pi — International Honor Society in Education
- Lambda Pi Eta — National Communication Association Honor Society
- Psi Chi — International Honor Society in Psychology
- Sigma Tau Delta — International English Honor Society
- Sigma Beta Delta — College of Business and Technology Honor Society
- Theta Alpha Kappa — The National Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology