Northcentral University was founded in early 1996 as a 100% online university based in Prescott, Arizona. From the beginning the vision was to combine rigorous academics with the convenience of distance learning. This vision was affirmed when NCU received regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

NCU began by offering degree programs in business administration and psychology. Today NCU offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in business and technology management, education, and psychology. In addition, NCU offers Certificates of Advanced Graduate Studies for Learners holding master's degrees and seeking higher education without committing to a doctoral program.

The University has a history of innovation. NCU was the first 100% online university to be accredited to offer doctoral degrees with its initial accreditation. Today the University educates more Ph.D.'s in business and technology management than any other university in the United States. NCU was the first and only 100% online university to have its business school accredited by the Association of Collegiate Schools and Programs, which accredits schools focusing on teaching excellence.

In its brief history, Northcentral University is proud to have awarded 895 degrees, as of June 2008, and grown to a student body of more than 6,800 Learners worldwide. NCU Learners represent all 50 states and every U.S. territory, as well as 52 other countries. The University moved to its new state-of-the-art world headquarters in Prescott Valley, Arizona in spring 2007.