The NCU Story

Dedicated to spiritual formation and academic excellence since 1930.

NCU Quick Facts

Founded in 1930

Educating Minneapolis and beyond for nearly 100 years.

Spirit-Led Community

North Central University is affiliated with the Assemblies of God.

Accredited by HLC

NCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

City-Centered Campus

Explore our 2.5-acre campus in the heart of downtown Minneapolis.

Faculty Mentorship

Our low 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio means you’re never just a number.

Affordable and Accessible

NCU is one of the most affordable accredited Christian universities in the Midwest.

Financial Aid

100% of our residential undergraduate students receive financial aid.

Social Mobility

NCU ranks #5 for impacting social mobility among Midwest colleges and universities.

Student Life

North Central is a Christian community — our students and faculty live by biblical values.

Rams Athletics

NCAA Division III varsity teams for men and women.

Our Mission

Our mission is to prepare students to fulfill biblical models of leadership and ministry throughout the world.

In keeping with our Pentecostal heritage and values, we live out excellence in both academic practice and Christian faith. As a dynamic Christian learning community educating students to serve and lead in society, the marketplace, and the church, North Central University prepares graduates to go out into the world with competence, wisdom, and competitive skills as they pursue their calling and career with clarity and courage.

As a leading urban Christian university, NCU offers a transformative student experience. Through rigorous engagement in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, our goal is to equip future leaders to define and refine their faith with reflective and critical thought rooted in scripture, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and expressed with integrity and God’s love. NCU graduates are challenged to engage in thoughtful and proactive dialogue concerning biblical models for compassion, human flourishing, and social well-being.

Institutional Values

Wisdom

We value and integrate deep understanding gained through sacred scriptures and the work of the Holy Spirit throughout our curriculum, pedagogy, and professional practice.

Honor

At NCU we celebrate and hold in great esteem the faith and sacrifice of those who came before us and have entrusted us with this institution — while stewarding the work we must pass to others in the future.

Expertise

We champion and strive for excellence in all we do. We employ top scholars and innovators and surround them with engaging culture and innovative technologies.

Stewardship

We encourage and equip our students, alumni, faculty, and staff to properly care for and succeed in their vocation from God.

Accessibility

We welcome and support students from all backgrounds and ethnicities, and diligently work to see them graduate with spiritual and economic freedom.

Institutional Aspirations

Maintain and continuously improve our position in the field of education.

Develop new models, new fields, new techniques, and new demands.

Earn the respect of the communities in which we learn and serve.

Develop campus-wide morale, outlook, and enterprise.

Contribute something meaningful to the art of education and leadership.

1930

Founded as North Central Bible Institute, the school originally enrolled 26 students, and classes were held in the Minneapolis Gospel Tabernacle (now Christ Church International). Ownership of the Institute was in the hands of the North Central District Council of the Assemblies of God, which at that time extended from the Great Lakes west to the Continental Divide.

1936

After years of exponential growth, North Central moved to its current location at 910 Elliot Avenue in downtown Minneapolis to provide housing, office, and classroom space for 500 students.

1955-1957

North Central added four-year degree programs. The school’s name was changed to North Central Bible College in 1957 to reflect the new bachelor’s degree offerings.

1964

North Central achieved accreditation by the American Association of Bible Colleges.

1973-1981

The campus developed along with the growing enrollment. Notable buildings include the F.J. Lindquist Chapel (built in 1973), the Clark/Danielson College Life Center (built in 1981).

1986

North Central continued expanding its offerings and was accredited in 1986 by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

1998

At the spring 1998 meeting of the Board of Regents, the college’s name was changed to North Central University.

2005

Over the following years, enrollment continued to increase, and North Central constructed the Thomas E. Trask Word and Worship Center.

NCU Today

The stability and strength of North Central University have produced more than 24,000 alumni, and of its graduates, 75% are presently in ministry positions throughout the United States and around the world.

Joyful North Central University students on campus and ministering in the community

Students at North Central University taking part in the campus experience and academic programs

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Life at NCU