Graduate Cost and Aid
Tuition and cost of attendance
The total cost of earning a degree at North Park University varies by program and student needs. In addition to tuition and fees, costs depend on housing, transportation, books, materials, and personal expenses. Graduate students face additional costs for books, materials, and housing.
To learn more about the specific costs for your program, explore the following options:
For nursing programs: Visit our graduate tuition and aid page.
Master of Science in Athletic Training:
Tuition is $830 per credit hour.
- Your only additional costs will be for books and materials not billed to you by North Park. These costs can vary depending on what courses you need to take, how you obtain textbooks, and a variety of other factors. Students in the MSAT program may expect additional costs associated with their application process and program requirements.
Administrative and Other Fees
| Finance Charge | 1.5% assessed monthly on past-due balances |
| Graduation Fee | $150 |
| Commuter Parking Sticker | $100 per semester |
| Evening/Saturday Student Parking Sticker | $50 per semester |
| Comprehensive Fee | $16 per credit hour |
| Transcript Fee | $6 per copy / $10 same day copy |
Additional Costs
| Background Check | $45 (one time fee) |
| Castle Branch | $35 (one time fee) |
| NATA Membership (necessary for clinical education documentation) | $75 (annual) |
| Transportation for clinical education | Variable |
| Health Insurance | Variable |
| Vaccinations (annual TB) | Variable (approximately $30–$50) |
| Clothing | Variable (approximately $100) |
Students in the Master of Music in Performance (MMP) program at North Park University pay a straightforward per-credit-hour tuition rate, which includes all course fees.
- Tuition: $970 per semester hour
- Program Duration: Designed to be completed in two years of full-time study
- Per-Credit-Hour Increases: Slight tuition increases may occur during your course of study.
Additional costs outside of tuition include books, materials, lessons, and accompanists, which students are responsible for arranging. These costs vary depending on the courses and resources you need.
Administrative and other fees
- Finance Charge: 1.5% monthly on past-due balances
- Graduation Fee: $150
- Lesson Accompanist Fee: $30–45 per hour (arranged by the student)
- Evening/Saturday Student Parking Sticker: $50 per semester
- Comprehensive Fee: $16 per credit hour
- Transcript Fee: $6 per copy / $10 for same-day copy
Cost calculation example
The MMP program is 36 semester hours. Based on the current tuition rate of $970 per credit hour, the cost for 8–10 credit hours per semester would be approximately $7,760–$9,700 per semester. Over the course of the program, the total tuition could range from $35,000 to $38,000, factoring in slight increases in tuition over time.
Keep in mind that these costs may be reduced with financial aid packages, including merit-based scholarships available for graduate music students based on auditions and interviews.
Grants and scholarships
The School of Music, Art, and Theatre offers several merit-based scholarships for graduate students based on auditions and interviews. Scholarships for graduate music students range from 10% to 35%, with some packages including an assistantship depending on your experience and background. You will automatically be considered for a merit-based scholarship after you apply and audition. For more information, contact Erin Matonte.
- Alumni Grant: North Park University alumni receive a 20% tuition reduction for graduate coursework, applicable to individual courses or entire programs, either in-person or online. This grant cannot be combined with other scholarships or discounts.
- Swedish Hospital Partnership: Employees of Swedish Hospital are eligible for a 30% tuition discount for degree programs at North Park, either in-person or online. Full-time eligible employees receive a tuition reduction representing the full amount of financial aid available, but this discount cannot be combined with other scholarships or grants. Students must complete an employee verification form through Swedish Hospital’s Human Resources Department, and employment is verified annually by North Park’s Financial Aid Office.
- Additional Options: Graduate music students may also be eligible for veterans’ benefits or other outside scholarships.
Student loans
Many graduate students rely on student loans to fund their education. Federal student loans typically offer lower interest rates than private loans. To explore loan options, complete a FAFSA for each academic year you seek loan funding. Repayment usually begins six months after graduation or leaving school.
Please note, all student loans must be repaid.
Financial aid process
The financial aid process at North Park begins when you apply for admission. U.S. citizens seeking financial aid or student loans must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). While the form may seem overwhelming, it provides a comprehensive view of your financial situation, helping us offer you the best assistance.
- Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov
- Our FAFSA school code is 001735
- Learn more about filing the FAFSA
Once admitted and after we receive your FAFSA (if applicable), we will create your financial aid package. This package includes the maximum funds you are eligible for, from institutional aid, federal and state loans, and grants such as the Illinois MAP grant. You can view your aid package anytime through SelfService, our online student portal.
Please note, financing from private sources—such as outside scholarships or loans—will not be included in your North Park package. Speak with your recruiter to apply these funds to your account.
Maintain eligibility
To keep your financial aid, including loans and grants, ensure that you:
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Enroll at least half-time (four credits per semester for graduate students). Keep in mind that dropping quad classes may affect your aid.
- Avoid defaulting on federal student loans.
Enrollment in quad classes
Many degree-completion and graduate courses at North Park are offered in seven-week “quad” terms. Federal aid, including Stafford Loans and Pell Grants, is calculated based on semester enrollment. If you drop classes or withdraw from the university, you may be required to return part of the aid you received.
The U.S. Department of Education’s regulations on the Return of Title IV Funds apply to modular courses, like quad classes. This rule only affects students who drop or withdraw from courses they were scheduled to complete.
If you plan to drop quad classes and receive Stafford Loans or Pell Grants, contact the Financial Aid Office first to understand how it may impact your aid.
Student loans
Loans are often part of the financial aid package for graduate students. Federal loans typically offer lower interest rates than private loans. To apply for loans, students must complete the FAFSA each academic year.
Satisfactory academic progress
Students receiving federal or state financial aid must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. The Financial Aid Office monitors students’ GPA, course completion, and maximum time frame after each enrollment period. If you do not meet these requirements, you will be notified by email with instructions on how to respond. Detailed policies are available here.
- Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: Available for graduate students, with interest accruing while enrolled. Repayment begins six months after you leave school.
- Graduate PLUS Loans: For students who reach the annual Stafford Loan limit, these credit-based loans offer deferment options while enrolled. Repayment begins after the final disbursement.
Private loans may be considered if federal loans do not cover your needs, but these are typically less favorable in terms of interest rates and repayment options. Most dependent students need a creditworthy cosigner for private loans, and terms vary by lender. Some loans require school certification, meaning the funds will be sent directly to North Park.
Students leaving North Park must complete exit counseling for their federal loans. This session explains your rights and responsibilities as a borrower. If you borrowed federal loans, you must complete separate counseling for each loan type. The Financial Aid Office will receive your completion electronically.
Remember to keep your contact information updated with your loan servicer, as North Park does not forward updates to them. You can access your federal loan history online using your FSA ID.
For more information about loan options, repayment, and counseling, visit the Financial Aid website.