Overview

The Shimer Great Books School, Liberal Studies B.A. at North Central College offers a transformative educational experience rooted in the examination of foundational texts and original thinkers. This programme encourages students to explore the interconnectedness of human knowledge through a unique curriculum that spans the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. By engaging with groundbreaking primary sources, learners refine their own pursuit of understanding within a vibrant intellectual community.

Why Shimer Great Books School, Liberal Studies at North Central College?

Education at this institution is defined by a constant dialogue where every position is questioned and analysed. Students benefit from small-class discussions that push them to think more deeply about fundamental questions than ever before. The school provides a distinctive environment for voracious readers to immerse themselves in reading and writing alongside peers who use literature to engage with the modern world. Additionally, the college's location offers access to a world-class city and a booming high-tech corridor, providing ample opportunities for undergraduate research and co-curricular initiatives.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 46810 per year
National fee: USD 46810 per year
Local fee: USD 46810 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum comprises the entirety of the school's core requirements, integrating methods from disparate fields to develop insights that transcend traditional disciplines. Modules may include:

Gaming the System: Alternatives in Mathematics and Logic
Classic Texts, Contemporary Problems
Journeys through Art and Fiction
The Shape of the World
Models of Social Thought
Authority and Freedom
Philosophy and the Human Condition
Critical Theories of Society and Politics
Power and Statecraft

Careers with Shimer Great Books School, Liberal Studies

Graduates of this programme are equipped with the critical thinking skills necessary to handle extraordinary intellectual challenges across various sectors. The school ranks highly for the percentage of graduates who go on to earn PhDs, demonstrating a strong foundation for advanced academic pursuits. Alumni have successfully established careers in diverse professional roles, including:

Educators and Writers
Attorneys and Physicians
Wall Street Analysts and Financial Advisors
Entrepreneurs and Designers
Engineers and Marketers
Artists

The college supports career readiness through an extensive internship programme, connecting students with Fortune 500 companies and dynamic start-ups. These experiences allow students to apply their classroom learning in professional workplace settings, preparing them for a host of global opportunities.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Gaming the System: Alternatives in Mathematics and Logic
Classic Texts, Contemporary Problems
Journeys through Art and Fiction
The Shape of the World
Philosophy and the Human Condition

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , Local
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-02 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2027-01-02 00:00:00 , Local
Starting 2027-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Home students: You may apply for admission throughout the year, although it is encouraged you do so in the fall of your senior year.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

128 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Naperville, United States

Disciplines

Liberal Arts View 1420 other Bachelors in Liberal Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Because we look at each application on an individual basis, we encourage you to contact your admission counselor to discuss your individual circumstances. While not required, you may wish to submit additional information such as:

Test Scores

Test-optional FAQ
SAT, North Central College code: 1555
ACT, North Central College code: 1096
Classic Learning Test, accepted in lieu of the SAT and ACT for students applying to Shimer Great Books School

Optional information we will consider:Supplemental Documents

Writing samples
Letters of recommendation
Documentation of extenuating circumstances

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year
Out-of-State

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year

Additional Details

Academic year fee: $47,340
Fall/Spring / Semester: $23,670

Living costs

Naperville

United States

1120 - 1880 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

At North Central, we offer a variety of competitive merit-based scholarships that are awarded based off G.P.A. Scholarships range from $28,000- $34,000 and are renewable for 4 years. Your achievements and special talents in other academic and activity areas, like education and the fine arts, could result in additional scholarship opportunities as well.

You're eligible for one of the international first-year or transfer scholarships if you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national. Learn more at the link: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/admission/international-scholarships

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Shimer Great Books School, Liberal Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Naperville

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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