Your Next Steps
The list below will guide you through your next steps so you can smoothly transition into your first semester as a Viking. The list is chronological; some steps will only become available once you complete the ones prior. Please do not hesitate to talk to your recruiter if anything is confusing or if you need more information.
There’s no better way to get to know North Park than to visit our campus.
In-person visits are available:
Monday–Thursday: 9:15 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m.
Friday: 11:00 a.m.
First, we recommend meeting your future classmates through an exclusive Facebook group for newly admitted students. This group is an excellent place to learn more about the North Park experience, ask questions about the steps below, and make new friends before getting to campus. Share your excitement and connect with other students about coming to North Park using the hashtag #NewNorthParkers.
2024–25 ADMITTED STUDENTS
Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is integral to any college application process. Starting December 1, 2024, you can submit a FAFSA for the 2025–26 academic year. We recommend Illinois residents file no later than February 1 to ensure eligibility for the Illinois MAP Grant. North Park’s FAFSA code is 001735.
We will send you a financial aid package once we receive your report from the FAFSA processing center or you indicate that you will not be filing. In November, we begin sending financial aid packages to admitted students starting at North Park the following fall. If you are starting in the spring, expect to receive your financial aid package as soon as we receive your report. Ensure you read all the information in your financial aid package. You can get more information online or contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions if you have any questions.
Your $200 tuition deposit confirms your intention to enroll at North Park University; 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. To pay your housing deposit, follow step seven.
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 setting up your North Park network account. After activating it, you can 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 best English and math courses for you—access information about placement exams.
After you have paid your tuition deposit, you are eligible to register for classes. Beginning in mid-April (for fall classes) or early November (for spring classes), we will send registration information to all eligible students.
Registration Process:
- Sign up for a Launch Day: Register for classes and learn about resources, academic success, financial aid, and student life.
- Buy your books at the online bookstore.
Next, we need to know if you plan to live on campus or are an eligible commuter student. Review the guidelines, then complete either the online housing deposit and application or the commuter application.
On-Campus Housing
- Pay your $250 housing deposit after receiving acceptance and at least 24 hours after you have paid your tuition deposit.
- We will send housing information and application instructions 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 registering for your first-semester courses.
We hold the housing deposit the entire time you are a North Park student and return it when you graduate. The amount you receive when you graduate may be less than $250 if we assess any damage fees to the campus housing in which you lived.
We will refund your housing deposit if you cancel your reservation for North Park housing before May 1 (fall semester) or December 8 (spring semester).
Commuting Options
If you plan on commuting, you must complete the commuter application. You are eligible if you meet one of the following criteria:
- Commuting from a primary residence within 30 miles of campus where you live with a parent or legal guardian
- Senior status (90 or more credits)
- At least 21 years old on September 1 of the current academic year
- Married
If one of these applies to you and you wish to commute rather than live in campus housing, please complete the online commuter application.
If you do not meet one of these criteria but still want to commute, 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 with the Office of the Registrar by the published deadline.
You can only register for your second semester of classes once you settle your first-semester bill (either paid in full or 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 paying your tuition deposit, you will receive an immunization record form you must complete and return to the University. This form is due each year by July 15 (for fall) or December 15 (for spring). Please complete the pre-participation packet if you are on one of our intercollegiate athletic teams.
Health Insurance: North Park no longer requires students to provide proof of health insurance policy coverage and will no longer offer a policy for purchase. There may be additional coverage requirements for student-athletes.
However, we strongly encourage all students to obtain health insurance coverage as the Affordable Care Act’s mandate requires. Students can obtain health insurance through their parents’ plans (if under 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. Ensure you know what we expect of you as a student—we hold all students accountable to the Student Handbook and University Catalog standards.
North Park University is committed to creating a safe and nurturing community for all students. Explore our resources, from a nighttime shuttle service to a safety app for your phone.
Before each semester, we provide a Canvas course with vital information to keep you safe and healthy at North Park. You can view the Sexual Misconduct & Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention – Fall 2023 by following these steps:
All incoming students must participate in Threshold, North Park’s orientation program, from August 23–25. We encourage families to join on August 23. See the full schedule and RSVP.
If you will be living on campus, check out our What to Bring to Campus packing list.
Student Resources
Learn about the rights that protect you and the services that are available to you as a student at North Park University.