Northwestern College (NC), formerly Northwestern Business College, is an institution of higher education offering associate in applied science degree programs and certificate programs. It has no affiliation with Northwestern University. It is primarily known for being the alma mater of John Wayne Gacy.
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Northwestern College’s history began in 1902, when J.F. Fish decided that businesses would need competent, well-trained workers. The College opened its doors at 1747 N. Robey Street (later known as Damen Avenue) offering programs in accounting and stenography. NC changed ownership in the mid-30’s when Myrtle M. Voss purchased it. During Voss’s ownership, Violet Schumacher enrolled in the College to enhance her office skills. Voss was so impressed with Violet that she hired her before she even completed her studies. Violet Schumacher rapidly advanced from receptionist to admissions representative to director of admissions, to registrar, to director.
In 1958, Violet Schumacher and her husband, Edward Schumacher, purchased Northwestern College from Voss. The slow, yet steady growth of the College continued under Violet Schumacher’s guidance. In the 1970s, Northwestern College attained significant success by increasing its enrollment and gaining credibility as an outstanding Chicago educational institution. In 1973, Northwestern College received both degree-granting status from the Illinois Board of Higher Education, and accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). The College’s continued growth led to another relocation to Belmont and Lavergne Avenues in 1976. During this period, Violet Schumacher’s daughter and son came to work for the College. Nancy Schumacher Kucienski managed the academic areas and Lawrence W. Schumacher took on responsibilities in the administrative and recruitment areas. When Edward Schumacher died in 1977, Lawrence W. Schumacher and Nancy Schumacher Kucienski formed Lancelot, Incorporated, and purchased Northwestern College from their mother. It was at this time that Violet Schumacher took a less active role in the day-to-day operations, and Lawrence W. Schumacher became president of the College.
In 1987, Northwestern College opened a second campus in the southwest suburbs, thereby bringing its programs to a new community. The 1990s were marked by a series of exciting new developments. Northwestern College actively sought and achieved regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the southwest suburban campus moved to new, larger facilities in Hickory Hills. By the end of the decade, the College earned even greater recognition – each program offered by the College achieved accreditation or recognition from a related professional organization.
In 2001, Northwestern College brought its programs to the western suburbs, opening a third campus in Naperville. Soon after, NC moved its southwest suburban campus from Hickory Hills to Bridgeview following a complete remodeling of the 88,000-square-foot (8,200 m2) facility. In 2002, the College celebrated its 100th anniversary and in 2007, President Lawrence W. Schumacher took over sole ownership. In 2008, the College changed its name from Northwestern Business College to Northwestern College. The word “Business” was retired from the name because it no longer reflected the diversity of all the academic programs offered.
The Bridgeview campus, located in S. Harlem Avenue, serves the southwest suburbs as well as those residing in the communities surrounding Midway Airport.
The Chicago campus is located in the Jefferson Park neighborhood on the northwest side of the city.
Located in an office complex on the corner of Mill Street and Diehl Road, the Naperville campus serves residents of DuPage, Kane, Will, and Cook Counties.
The Virtual Campus is a form of distance education which allows students to earn their degrees while taking classes online.
The College consists of four academic schools:
NC offers associate degrees in the following programs:[1]
NC offers certificates in the following programs:[2]
Northwestern College has resources available to support students from enrollment to graduation and even beyond. Among them are:
Scholarships for Incoming Students
Scholarships for Continuing Students