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North Central College Naperville

3.8
·48 reviews·Naperville, United States

A college campus known for its performing arts, community events, and a mixed student experience.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall Concert Seasons

Enjoy vibrant musical performances.

CrowdMedium
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North Central College - Image 1

North Central College Naperville

Best Time

Spring & Fall Concert Seasons

Enjoy vibrant musical performances.

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A college campus known for its performing arts, community events, and a mixed student experience.

3.8
(48 reviews)

"Vibrant performing arts and community events contrast with concerns about student support and value."

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TIP

Check Event Schedules

Visit the NCC website for upcoming concerts, theatre, and community events.

Inquire About Accessibility

Confirm specific accommodations for students with disabilities beforehand.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Concert Winds Performances

Concert Winds Performances

Various venues on campus

Experience the talented Concert Winds ensemble perform diverse programs, from classical marches to film scores. , ,

Instagram+2
Chords for Kids Concert

Chords for Kids Concert

Various venues on campus

A heartwarming annual concert by the NCC band for children with special needs and their families. ,

TikTok+1
Campus Pop-Up Events

Campus Pop-Up Events

Campus lawns

Enjoy outdoor fitness classes and community events hosted on the college grounds. ,

Instagram+1
Theatre Department Productions

Theatre Department Productions

College theatre

Catch engaging theatrical performances, including musicals like 'Heathers'. ,

Instagram+1
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Accessibility & Support

While North Central College offers some disability services like extended testing time, proactive assistance and emergency plans for students with mobility impairments are reportedly lacking. Inquire directly about specific accommodations needed for fire drills or other emergencies before enrolling. Reddit

Tuition & Value

Tuition increases annually, and while scholarships are offered, the overall cost can be misleading. Some reviews suggest better value and more student-focused investment at other institutions. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall Concert Seasons
Why
Enjoy vibrant musical performances.
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend Mornings (Spring/Fall)
Why
Attend pop-up fitness classes.
Crowd
Medium
When
Theatre Production Dates
Why
Experience student-led plays.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

CHORDS FOR KIDS CONCERT 2024 at North Central College! For 17 years the NCC has performed a concert for children with special needs and their families. There’s lots of moving and grooving to the music during the show: The Pink Panther, Sir Duke, Over the Rainbow, Scooby Doo, Spider Pig, Hokey Pokey, Sesame Street, Chicken Dance, YMCA and more! At the end, all the ids had an opportunity to conduct ...
madmusicjam
6 likes • 130 views

Check Event Schedules

Visit the NCC website for upcoming concerts, theatre, and community events. Instagram

Inquire About Accessibility

Confirm specific accommodations for students with disabilities beforehand. Reddit

CHORDS FOR KIDS CONCERT 2023 at North Central College! For 16 years the NCC band has performed a concert for children with special needs and their families. There’s lots of moving and grooving to the music during the show: The Pink Panther, Sir Duke, Over the Rainbow, Hey Baby, I’m a Believer, Hokey Pokey, Sweet Caroline, Chicken Dance, YMCA and more! At the end, all the kids had an opportunity to...
madmusicjam
14 likes • 214 views
CONCERT WINDS OF NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE performed their 2025 Spring Concert. and said goodbye to the graduating seniors. On the program “March for Military Band” by Gustav Holst, “Angels in the Architecture” by Frank Ticheli, “Slava!” by Clare Grundman and “Star Wars” by John Williams. Caroline’s last Concert Winds Concert at NCC! She was an Angel singing above! Bravo, Caroline! . . . . #music #mad...
madmusicjam
5 likes • 92 views

Look for Pop-Up Classes

Follow local fitness groups for outdoor class announcements on campus. Instagram

Book Theatre Tickets Early

Popular shows like 'Heathers' sell out quickly; book in advance. Instagram

CONCERT WINDS OF NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE performed their 2024 Spring Concert. and said goodbye to the graduating seniors. On the program “The U.S. Field Artillery March,” “Armenian Dances,” “Sensemay’a” and “Variation on a Korean Folk Song” My niece, Caroline plays trumpet! Bravo, Caroline! . . . . #music #madmusicjam #madmusic #northcentralcollege
madmusicjam
3 likes • 191 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Event Schedules

Visit the NCC website for upcoming concerts, theatre, and community events. Instagram

Inquire About Accessibility

Confirm specific accommodations for students with disabilities beforehand. Reddit

Look for Pop-Up Classes

Follow local fitness groups for outdoor class announcements on campus. Instagram

Book Theatre Tickets Early

Popular shows like 'Heathers' sell out quickly; book in advance. Instagram

Consider Commuter Needs

If commuting, research parking and campus accessibility. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.8
(48 reviews)

Reviews Summary

North Central College is recognized for its vibrant performing arts scene, including talented music ensembles and engaging theatre productions. The campus also hosts community fitness events. However, concerns have been raised regarding student support services, particularly for those with disabilities, and the overall value proposition given rising tuition costs and a perceived lack of empathy from some staff.

"Institution: North Central College, Naperville, Illinois

Category: Disability Services / Student Safety / Academic Support

Summary of Complaint:
North Central College has consistently failed to provide adequate support and accommodations for students with disabilities. The Disability Services office only offers extended testing time and does not provide other essential accommodations or proactive assistance. There is no structured plan for emergencies or fire drills for students with mobility impairments.

During a recent fire drill, students using wheelchairs were not informed that it was only a drill, which caused significant distress and confusion. This demonstrates a serious lack of communication, planning, and sensitivity to student safety and accessibility.

Additionally, there appears to be no contingency plan or trained staff in place to assist disabled students during emergencies. These failures reflect noncompliance with the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, both of which require institutions to ensure equal access and safety for students with disabilities.

Efforts to address these concerns with the college have not resulted in meaningful changes. Disability Services and Student Affairs have been unresponsive and show no initiative to improve accessibility or communication procedures.

Beyond disability concerns, the college also demonstrates inconsistent teaching quality, particularly in the Accounting and Finance department. Tuition continues to increase 3% annually on full tuition amount despite scholarship awards, creating a misleading impression of affordability."

Amit Kapoor

"This school has an extreme amount of greed running through it. I remember one time they were trying to charge every one of the students because people kept flushing random stuff down the toilets. So because of a few people misusing the bathrooms they were going to punish everybody. They offer contracts to businesses with super shady business practices. The company that does all the cleaning for the whole property told workers they would be getting a raise but to not tell the janitors because they wouldn’t be getting raises. Not to mention one of the managers tried to make a worker avoid taking Covid tests while he was confirmed to be sick with Covid so that he could work. I also remember a manager telling a worker they couldn’t walk with a student and talk to them and used to follow the worker around to make sure they didn’t spend time together. I’m sorry but if a student paid tens of thousands of dollars to go to your school then I don’t think you should be able to tell where they can not be somewhere that they paid to be. The coaches had absolutely no respect for the cleaning people and alot of the time would be super rude to them. If you’d like to go here I’d second guess it. I also remember that the dorms seemed super out dated but the floor where the coaches were seemed a lot newer and luxurious then most of the dorms. With all the money going into the school and all the donations they receive you’d think they would invest more of it in their students, you know, the ones paying their bills. You could find many colleges that are cheaper and have way more to offer."

Nathan Belofsky

"If you work they WILL NOT accommodate you in ANY capacity. Teachers, counselors, EVERYBODY is unwilling to be flexible in the slightest way. So unless you are having your education paid for by mom and dad you will not get along well here. I have teachers that treat me badly when I mention work at all. They see it as me not being dedicated to my education. They have NO empathy for those of us that actually have to work to pay for our expensive education.

To their credit, I have had knowledgeable professors, but they are very focused on having you memorize every little fact rather than analyzing information or applying it to anything.

Another plus is the class size. They are small classes and I do like that about the school, but that hardly makes up for other aspects. I have attended other colleges that treat you like an adult. At this school you are scolded as if you are in high school."

May Bei

What People Like

Talented performing arts
Community events
Small class sizes

What People Dislike

Inadequate disability support
Rising tuition costs
Strict disciplinary environment

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

North Central College is located in downtown Naperville. You can reach it by car via major highways like I-88 and I-355. Public transportation options include Metra train service to the Naperville station, which is a short walk from campus. Reddit

Parking availability can vary depending on events and time of day. There are several parking lots and garages around campus. It's advisable to check the college's visitor parking information or arrive early, especially for ticketed events. Reddit

Downtown Naperville is very walkable. For longer distances, local bus services are available, and ride-sharing services are also a convenient option. The Metra station provides regional connectivity. Reddit

The closest major airports are Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Both are accessible by car or public transportation, though O'Hare is generally closer. Reddit

Naperville has a growing network of bike paths. If you're coming from a nearby neighborhood, biking is a viable and eco-friendly option. Be sure to check for bike racks on campus. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for most events, including theatre productions and concerts, can typically be purchased online through the college's official website or ticketing partners. Links are often provided in social media posts. Instagram

Pricing can vary by event. Some events may offer discounted rates for students, seniors, or children. Check the specific event details on the NCC website for any available concessions. Instagram

While some events may allow for ticket purchases at the door, it's highly recommended to buy in advance, especially for popular performances like musicals, as they can sell out. Instagram

Refund and exchange policies are typically set by the ticketing platform or the college's event organizers. It's best to review these terms before purchasing your tickets. Instagram

The college occasionally hosts free community events, such as certain concerts or public lectures. Keep an eye on their official calendar and social media for announcements. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Campus Experience

North Central College hosts a variety of performances, including concerts by the Concert Winds ensemble, theatre productions like musicals, and special events such as the 'Chords for Kids' concert.,Instagram,Instagram,Instagram,Instagram TikTok

Yes, the college hosts pop-up events like outdoor fitness classes and sometimes collaborates with local businesses for community gatherings.,Instagram Instagram

Reviews suggest that North Central College generally offers small class sizes, which can lead to more personalized attention from instructors. Reddit

While some reviews highlight academic rigor and knowledgeable professors, others mention a strict, high-school-like disciplinary environment and a lack of empathy for students who work. Reddit

Student support services, particularly for disabilities, have faced criticism for being inadequate. While some academic support exists, proactive and comprehensive assistance is reportedly lacking. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Reviews indicate that the food in the campus cafeteria is not considered the best. For more varied options, the surrounding downtown Naperville area offers numerous restaurants and cafes. Reddit

Downtown Naperville, where the college is located, is known for its vibrant dining scene with a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries catering to various tastes and budgets. Reddit

While cafeteria food quality is questioned, the abundance of restaurants in downtown Naperville likely provides healthy choices. Look for cafes and eateries offering fresh ingredients and diverse menus. Reddit

Yes, downtown Naperville has several coffee shops, including Starlight Coffee Co., which has been mentioned in conjunction with campus events. Instagram

Generally, bringing your own food to campus is permissible, especially for personal consumption in common areas or study spaces. Check specific building policies if you plan to eat in academic or administrative areas. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The campus architecture, especially during different seasons, offers picturesque backdrops. Look for well-maintained lawns, historic buildings, and any public art installations for engaging shots. Instagram

Photography policies during performances can vary. Generally, flash photography is prohibited, and sometimes all photography is restricted to protect the performers and audience experience. Check with event staff. Instagram

Being in downtown Naperville, you're close to the Riverwalk, which offers beautiful scenery, bridges, and water features perfect for photography. Reddit

Event photography often captures the energy of performances, the engagement of audiences, and the community spirit of pop-up events.,Instagram Instagram

Natural light is abundant on campus during the day, especially in open areas. Evening events might require using artificial light or higher ISO settings on your camera. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families looking for engaging activities might enjoy the 'Chords for Kids' concert, a special performance designed for children with special needs and their families, featuring interactive music.,TikTok TikTok While the college itself has faced criticism regarding accessibility for students with disabilities, the surrounding Naperville area, including the Riverwalk, offers family-friendly outdoor spaces. Reddit When considering events on campus, it's wise to confirm accessibility details beforehand. Reddit

🏋️ Fitness Enthusiasts

Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of outdoor pop-up classes hosted on the North Central College campus by local studios like Pure Barre Naperville.,Instagram Instagram These events offer a chance to work out in a unique setting and connect with the local fitness community. Keep an eye on social media for announcements of these temporary fitness opportunities. Instagram

🎭 Arts & Culture Aficionados

For lovers of the performing arts, North Central College offers a rich schedule of events. Don't miss the Concert Winds performances, which showcase a wide repertoire, or the theatre department's productions, including musicals.,Instagram,Instagram,Instagram Instagram These events provide a platform for student talent and a chance to enjoy live performances in a collegiate setting. Booking tickets in advance is recommended for popular shows. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Performing Arts at North Central College

North Central College boasts a vibrant performing arts scene, highlighted by its talented music ensembles and theatre department. The Concert Winds group consistently delivers impressive performances, showcasing a range of musical styles from classical marches to contemporary pieces and film scores.,Instagram,Instagram Instagram These concerts often serve as a farewell to graduating seniors, adding an emotional layer to the experience. Instagram

Beyond instrumental music, the college's theatre department stages full productions, including popular musicals like 'Heathers.' Instagram These student-led shows are a testament to the dedication and talent within the performing arts program. For younger audiences, the annual 'Chords for Kids' concert is a special event, providing an inclusive and joyful musical experience for children with special needs and their families.,TikTok TikTok Attending these performances offers a glimpse into the creative spirit and community engagement fostered at North Central College.

Community and Fitness Events

North Central College serves as a venue for various community and fitness-focused events, often held outdoors. Local fitness studios, such as Pure Barre Naperville, have hosted pop-up classes on the college's lawns, offering a unique way to engage with the community and enjoy outdoor workouts.,Instagram Instagram These events often partner with local businesses, like mobile bookstores and coffee shops, creating a lively atmosphere. Instagram

These gatherings highlight the college's role as a community hub, extending its campus beyond academic pursuits. They provide opportunities for residents to connect, stay active, and support local enterprises. Keep an eye on local event listings and social media for announcements of similar pop-up activities. Instagram

Student Life and Academic Concerns

Student life at North Central College presents a mixed picture according to reviews. On the positive side, the college is noted for its small class sizes, which can facilitate more direct interaction with professors. Reddit Some instructors are described as knowledgeable, though there's a critique that the focus can be on memorization rather than analytical application. Reddit

However, significant concerns have been raised regarding student support services, particularly for those with disabilities. Reports indicate a lack of comprehensive accommodations beyond extended testing time and insufficient emergency planning for students with mobility impairments. Reddit Furthermore, some reviews describe a disciplinary environment that feels overly strict, akin to high school, and a perceived lack of empathy from staff towards students who balance education with work commitments. Reddit The rising tuition costs, even with scholarships, are also a point of contention for some students. Reddit

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