North Central College is a private liberal arts university located in Naperville, Illinois. Founded in 1861, it is affiliated with the United Methodist Church but welcomes students of all faiths. As a private institution, it relies on tuition, donations, and endowments rather than state funding. The college offers undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing small class sizes and personalized education. Its accreditation comes from the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring academic quality. Private status allows North Central College greater autonomy in curriculum design and admissions policies compared to public universities.