Your Next Steps
We want to help you make a smooth transition to university life and answer all your questions. The list below will help guide you through the next steps of your transition, so you can get a smooth start to your first semester as a Viking. The list is laid out step-by-step; you can start at the top as soon as you receive your acceptance letter, and some items must be completed before others can be started. Don’t hesitate to talk to your recruiter if anything is confusing or you need more information about a step.
There’s no better way to get to know North Park than to visit our campus.
In-person visits are offered:
Monday–Thursday: 9:15 a.m.,11:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m.
Friday: 11:00 a.m.
The first thing we recommend doing is meet your future classmates through an exclusive Facebook group for newly admitted students. This group is a great place for you to learn more about the North Park experience, ask questions about the steps outlined below, and make some new friends before you even get to campus. Be sure to share your excitement about coming to North Park and use the hashtag #NewNorthParkers to connect with other students. 2023–24 ADMITTED STUDENTS
Need-based financial aid, including student loans, requires the completion of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The 2021–2022 FAFSA is available as of October 1, 2020. We recommend that Illinois residents file no later than November 1 to ensure eligibility for the Illinois Map Grant. All students can file their FAFSA online. North Park’s federal school code is 001735.
Once we receive your report from the FAFSA processing center or you indicate to us that you will not be filing a FAFSA, you will receive a financial aid package from us. For students starting at North Park in the fall, we begin sending financial aid packages to admitted students in November. If you are starting in the spring semester, you can expect to receive your financial aid packages as soon as your report is received. Make sure you read all of the information included with your financial aid package. You can get more information online, or contact us in the Admissions Office if you have any questions.
You will receive a personalized video explaining your financial aid by text message after you receive your financial aid details. This is so you and your family can better understand your financial aid and payment options. Your video will be available in English and Spanish. Please keep your eye out for your video!
Your $200 tuition deposit confirms your intention to enroll at North Park University, and it is a credit toward your first-semester bill. You can pay this deposit via check or debit/credit card. To pay online, use your application email and password to log into your Self-Service account.
Tuition deposits are refundable until:
- May 1: Fall Semester
- December 15: Spring Semester
Once your tuition deposit is paid and processed, you will receive an email from North Park’s Information Technology Department with instructions on how to set up your North Park network account. After your network account is activated, you will be able to use your North Park email address, pay housing deposits, register for classes, and access other campus resources.
The writing and math placement exams will help identify the right course for you to take in English and math. Access information about placement exams.
For additional resources for deposited students preparing to attend North Park this fall, see the Start Your North Park Experience page.
After you have paid your tuition deposit, you are eligible to register for classes. Beginning in mid-April (for the fall semester) or early November (for the spring), registration information will be sent to all eligible students.
Registration Process (fall 2023):
- Attend a Launch Day: Get introduced to the university at Launch Day. Register for classes and learn about resources, academic success, financial aid, and student life. Sign up for Launch Day.
Helpful Resources:
We are excited to have you join the North Park community. We need to know if you plan to live on campus or if you are an eligible commuter student. Review the guidelines and then select and complete either the online housing deposit and application or the commuter application. You can submit the housing deposit as early as you wish, but the application may not be available until later in the spring (for Fall admission) and you will not receive a housing assignment until after you register for classes.
On Campus Housing
You are eligible to apply for on-campus housing only after you have been accepted and at least 24 hours after you have paid your tuition deposit. To apply:
· Pay your $250 housing deposit.
· After you have paid your housing deposit, housing information and instructions are sent to deposited students beginning in February (for the fall semester) and October (for the spring semester).
· You will receive an on-campus housing assignment after you have registered for your first-semester courses.
This housing deposit is held the whole time you are a student at North Park University, and returned to you when you graduate. The deposit amount you receive back when you graduate may be less than $250 if any damage fees were assessed to campus housing in which you live.
Your housing deposit will be refunded to you if you cancel your reservation for North Park housing before May 1, for the fall semester, or December 8, for the spring semester.
Commuting Options
If you plan on commuting, you must complete the commuter application. You will be eligible to commute from off-campus if you meet one of the following criteria:
· You are commuting from a primary residence within 30 miles of campus where you live with a parent or legal guardian
· You have senior status (90 or more credits)
· You are at least 21 years old on September 1 of the current academic year
· You are married
If one of these applies to you and you wish to commute to the University, please complete the online commuter application.
If you do not meet one of these criteria but want to commute anyway, contact the director of residence life and housing to request an appeal form.
Please review our housing policy for more information.
North Park mails your first fall semester bill around July 1, and sends spring semester bills in early December. Students must pay their bills in full, or have an approved payment plan in place with the Office of the Registrar, by the published deadline.
You cannot register for your second semester of classes until your first semester bill is settled (either paid in full or current in an approved payment plan). You can view and make payments on your bill online through Self Service (use your North Park network account to log in).
Immunization and Medical Information: After you have paid your tuition deposit, you’ll receive an immunization record form that you must complete and return to the University. This is due each year by July 15 (for the fall semester) or December 15 (for the spring). If you are participating on one of our intercollegiate athletic teams, please complete the pre-participation packet.
Health Insurance: North Park no longer requires students to provide proof that they are covered by a health insurance policy, and will no longer offer a health insurance policy for purchase. There may be additional coverage requirements for student-athletes. However, we strongly encourage all students to obtain health insurance coverage, as is required by the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate. Students can either obtain health insurance through their parents’ plans (if under the age of 26) or go to HealthCare.gov to purchase health insurance packages. Learn more about students accessing health insurance.
All members of North Park’s community have rights and responsibilities. Make sure you know what is expected of you as a student—you’ll be held accountable to the standards laid out in the Student Handbook and University Catalog.
North Park University is committed to creating a safe and nurturing community for all students. Take a moment to explore the many resources we make available to our students, from a nighttime shuttle service to a safety app for your smartphone. Both of these initiatives—and more—are part of our Safe Community initiatives.
Prior to each fall semester, we also provide two online programs with important information to keep you safe and healthy at North Park University. You will receive an email invitation from our online training partner, EVERFI, on behalf of the university with instructions to complete AlcoholEdu for College and Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates.
RSVP to attend our Threshold Orientation weekend, August 26–28, 2022. Can’t wait to see you all on campus!
If you will be living on campus, check out our What to Bring to Campus packing list.
Making the Transition: Your Arrival and First Year Experience
North Park University’s orientation program, Threshold, flows seamlessly into our First Year Experience, to make your transition to North Park as smooth as possible. Learn more about these programs and how they can help you get ready for a great first year, whether you’re a first-year or transfer, resident or commuter student.
Student Resources
Learn about the rights that protect you and the services that are available to you as a student at North Park University.