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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Northcentral University

San Diego, California · www.nu.edu

中文

Tuition per year

$12,594

2025

Peer median $42,296

Undergraduates

60

Student-faculty ratio 1:1

Peer median 12 : 1

“Peers” are all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Northcentral University (NCU) is a private, online university based in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Established in 1996, NCU offers a unique educational experience focused on providing a flexible and accessible learning environment for working professionals. One of the university’s distinguishing features is its commitment to personalized education, with a one-to-one faculty-student model that ensures each student receives individualized attention and mentorship. This approach allows learners to progress at their own pace, making it particularly appealing for adult learners balancing education with professional and personal responsibilities.

The university offers a range of degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels across various fields, including business, education, psychology, and health sciences. NCU is known for its online learning platform, which utilizes innovative technology to facilitate engaging and interactive coursework. The institution’s mission emphasizes the importance of academic excellence, integrity, and lifelong learning, creating a supportive and enriching environment for students. With a focus on practical application and real-world skills, graduates of NCU are well-prepared to excel in their respective careers, contributing positively to their communities and industries. The university's dedication to fostering professional growth is evident in its strong alumni network and robust career services, which assist students in navigating the job market and achieving their professional goals.

Analysis of Key Trends in Northcentral University Data

The data from Northcentral University reveals several noteworthy trends that are critical to understanding the institution's evolving landscape. One of the most striking points is the steady increase in tuition fees over the years. For undergraduate students, the tuition has risen from $10,000 in 2014 to $12,594 in 2023. This represents a 25.9% increase over a nine-year period, indicating a substantial financial burden for students and their families. Such an upward trend in tuition is consistent with broader national patterns, where the cost of higher education continues to escalate, often outpacing inflation.

Furthermore, the student population has experienced a significant decline, particularly in undergraduate enrollment. The number of undergraduate students decreased from 329 in 2013 to just 106 in 2023. This drastic drop of approximately 67% raises concerns about the university's appeal and recruitment strategies, especially as higher education institutions increasingly compete for a shrinking pool of traditional college-age students.

In terms of gender demographics, there has been a noteworthy shift in the male-to-female ratio among undergraduate students. The percentage of male undergraduate students fell from approximately 36% in 2014 to around 23.6% in 2023, while female representation increased correspondingly. This trend not only reflects broader societal changes in gender enrollment in higher education but may also prompt the university to consider targeted outreach strategies to engage male students more effectively.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has shown fluctuations, but it has remained relatively high, with a consistent ratio of 1 faculty member for every 1 to 3 students in recent years. This ratio is crucial, as it can influence the quality of education and personalized support students receive. Maintaining a favorable student-to-faculty ratio is essential for the university's commitment to providing quality education and ensuring student success.

In conclusion, while Northcentral University faces challenges such as rising tuition, declining enrollment, and shifting gender demographics, these trends also present opportunities for strategic adjustments in recruitment, retention, and educational quality enhancements.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
In San Diego
Nearest international airport
San Diego International Airport (SAN), about 8 mi
San Diego, California
Academic calendar
Other
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Mark Millliron (President)
Phone
8006288648
City
San Diego, California
Address
9388 Lightwave Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's190 international (0.0%)
Master's7850 international (0.0%)
Doctoral8090 international (0.0%)
Top 2 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Psychology, General
16
Business Administration and Management, General
3

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Education, General · Doctoral320 (0% international)
  • Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling · Master's280 (0% international)
  • Business Administration and Management, General · Doctoral140 (0% international)
  • Education, General · Master's74 (0% international)
  • Social Work · Master's65 (0% international)
  • Psychology, General · Doctoral64 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Trends at Northcentral University

The graduation data from Northcentral University for 2023 reveals significant trends across various disciplines. Notably, the Doctorate level is dominated by psychology-related fields, with a remarkable 310 graduates in General Education alone. This indicates a strong emphasis on advanced studies within the field of education, reflecting the growing demand for qualified educators in today's complex learning environments.

In the realm of Business Administration, the absence of Bachelor's and Master's graduates suggests a potential gap in the market for undergraduate programs, despite a respectable number of Doctorate graduates. This may point towards a future strategy for the university to develop more undergraduate offerings to meet the needs of aspiring business leaders.

Psychology also stands out, particularly at the Master's level, where several programs reported graduation rates, including Applied Behavior Analysis and Health/Medical Psychology. The data indicates a healthy interest in mental health fields, possibly influenced by the heightened awareness of mental health issues in recent years.

Moreover, the lack of international students graduating from these programs suggests that Northcentral University may need to enhance its global outreach and support for international scholars to attract a more diverse student body.

The results from Northcentral University align with national trends in higher education, where fields related to health, technology, and education continue to see increased enrollment, driven by job market demands. Overall, the university's graduation data highlights both strengths and potential areas for growth in its academic offerings.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Educationhas 488 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Education, General.$59,937-$82,387
Curriculum and Instruction.-
Educational Leadership and Administration, General.$62,023-$93,408
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels.-
Health professionshas 355 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.-
Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling.$45,441-$70,989
Mental Health Counseling/Counselor.$45,441-$70,989
Nursing Administration.-
Nursing Practice.-
Psychology has 318 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.$51,721-$78,069
Developmental and Child Psychology.-
Industrial and Organizational Psychology.$49,484
Educational Psychology.$49,484
Health/Medical Psychology.$49,484
Forensic Psychology.$49,484
Applied Behavior Analysis.$49,484
Performance and Sport Psychology.$49,484
Businesshas 247 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Business Administration and Management, General.$68,915-$97,340
Organizational Leadership.$68,915-$97,340
Accounting.-
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General.$66,156
Computer and information sciencehas 98 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Computer and Information Sciences, General.$91,608
Information Technology.$91,608
Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician.-
Computer Science.-
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Public administrationhas 75 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Public Administration.$66,025
Social Work.-
Homeland security has 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-
Legal professionshas 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Law.-
American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence.$56,539
Legal Professions and Studies, Other.-

Students

9,489 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 22:78

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (60)

White
27 · 45.0%
Black
13 · 21.7%
Hispanic
9 · 15.0%
Unknown
6 · 10.0%
Two or more races
3 · 5.0%
Asian
1 · 1.7%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
0.0%
18–19
0.0%
20–21
0.0%
22–24
3.3%
25 and over
95.0%

Graduate students

Under 22
0.0%
22–24
1.1%
25–29
10.6%
30–34
13.3%
35 and over
73.8%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Northcentral University in 2023

The student demographic data from Northcentral University reveals a diverse composition in terms of gender and ethnicity among the various classifications of students. In 2023, the undergraduate continuing students consist of 96 individuals, with a notable 74% being female, demonstrating a significant representation of women in this category. This aligns with the broader trend seen in many universities across the United States, where female students are increasingly outnumbering their male counterparts in undergraduate programs.

In contrast, the undergraduate transfer students are exclusively female, highlighting a potential area for the university to explore regarding male recruitment and retention strategies. The disparity in gender representation among different student categories raises questions about the factors influencing these patterns, such as societal expectations, academic interests, or institutional support systems.

Graduate students at Northcentral University also exhibit a balanced gender ratio, with 76% female students. This reflects the growing trend of women pursuing advanced degrees, often driven by the increasing importance of higher education in professional advancement. Furthermore, the graduate population includes a significant number of individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, with White students representing 33.5% of the demographic, followed by a mix of other ethnicities.

Overall, the data showcases Northcentral University's commitment to diversity and inclusion, highlighting the need for continued efforts in fostering an equitable environment for all students, regardless of gender or ethnicity. This analysis underscores the importance of understanding demographic trends in shaping educational policies and practices that cater to the needs of a diverse student body.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Northcentral University

The age demographic data for Northcentral University highlights a significant trend in the composition of its student body, particularly among graduate students. The largest group of students falls within the 40-49 age range, constituting approximately 30% of the total male and female student population. This suggests that the university attracts a mature demographic, likely comprising professionals seeking advanced degrees to enhance their careers.

In the younger age brackets, especially those aged 18-24, enrollment figures are notably low. This could reflect a broader trend in higher education where traditional-aged students are either exploring alternative education paths or entering the workforce directly after high school. The lack of participation from this demographic raises questions about how institutions can engage younger students and adapt to their needs.

The gender distribution is also of interest, with a higher number of female students across almost all age categories, particularly in the graduate programs. For instance, women aged 30-34 account for a significant proportion of graduate students, indicating that female learners are increasingly pursuing higher education later in life, possibly balancing work and family responsibilities.

Overall, these statistics reflect evolving patterns in higher education demographics, showcasing a shift towards older, more diverse students. Universities may need to continue to adapt their programs and outreach strategies to accommodate this demographic shift while also finding ways to attract younger students back into traditional academic settings.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 3.9%2025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 6.4%2025

Data insights

International Student Trends at Northcentral University

The data from Northcentral University reveals intriguing trends regarding the international student population over the years. In 2006, the undergraduate total stood at 366, with 26 international students, making up 7.10% of the undergraduate cohort. This percentage is relatively modest, indicating a limited but present international presence within the undergraduate program.

However, the situation appears to shift significantly by 2008. The total number of undergraduates decreased to 325, with only one international student recorded, resulting in a strikingly low participation rate of merely 0.31%. This drop raises concerns about the university's attractiveness to international students during that period, potentially influenced by factors such as changes in immigration policies, global economic conditions, or competition from other institutions.

For graduate programs, the data from 2006 shows a total of 2,454 students, with 308 being international, which translates to an impressive 12.55% of the graduate student body. This suggests that Northcentral University was more successful at attracting international students at the graduate level compared to undergraduate programs. Unfortunately, the graduate data for 2008 is incomplete, making it challenging to assess any trends or shifts in that demographic.

Overall, the significant fluctuations in the international student population highlight the need for universities to continually adapt their strategies to attract and retain students from abroad, particularly in an increasingly competitive global education market.

Cost

2025 tuition

$12,594

Undergraduate tuition
$12,594
Graduate tuition
$17,998
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $56,962 · all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 18% from 2016 to 2025.

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities surrounding Northcentral University:

  1. University of California-San Diego - Ranked 28th in the 2024 US News rankings, UC San Diego is known for its strong emphasis on research and its outstanding programs in the sciences, engineering, and social sciences.

  2. University of Southern California - With a ranking of 28, USC is a prestigious private research university renowned for its diverse academic programs, vibrant campus life, and strong alumni network.

  3. California Institute of Technology - Often referred to as Caltech, this elite institution ranks 7th nationally and is famous for its rigorous science and engineering programs, as well as its research contributions.

  4. Pomona College - A highly regarded liberal arts college, Pomona ranks 4th in the nation. It is known for its strong academic programs and a close-knit campus community.

  5. Claremont McKenna College - Ranked 11th, this liberal arts college focuses on preparing students for leadership roles through its unique combination of liberal arts education and economics.

These institutions offer a range of programs and opportunities for students in the region, making the area a vibrant educational hub.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Northcentral University

The data from Northcentral University reveals an impressive trend regarding campus safety and crime rates over the years from 2013 to 2023. Notably, there have been zero reported incidents of crime, including serious offenses such as armed arrests, drug-related arrests, alcohol-related arrests, and domestic violence. This consistent record of safety suggests that the university has successfully implemented effective measures to foster a secure environment for its students.

The absence of any reported crimes reflects positively on the university's community and administration, indicating a strong commitment to student welfare and safety. This is particularly significant in a time when many educational institutions face challenges related to crime and safety on campus.

Moreover, the lack of incidents can also be correlated with the university's dedicated resources for crime prevention, awareness programs, and community engagement initiatives. It is crucial for universities to maintain such standards not only to protect their students but also to promote a culture of safety and responsibility.

In conclusion, Northcentral University's data showcases an exemplary record in maintaining a crime-free environment for its students, reinforcing the importance of proactive safety strategies in educational settings. For further information on calculating crime rates, please refer to this link.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.