North Carolina Central University
About North Carolina Central University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
North Carolina Central University is a public historically Black university in Durham, North Carolina. It offers programs in law, business, education, and the sciences and is part of the UNC system.
Founded
1910
Location
Durham, North Carolina
Students
8,065
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
87%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
41.7%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$6,699
Out-of-state: $19,735
Avg Net Price
$15,359
After financial aid
SAT Average
1050
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$42,968
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
Oct 15
Regular
Rolling
North Carolina Central University accepts the majority of applicants at 87%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1050/ 1600
ACT Scores
18/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
41.7% complete their degree within six years
Retention
72.7%
4-Year Grad
29%
6-Year Grad
51%
Teaching Quality
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
67.7%
$/Student
$12.5K
Class Size
Medium
The 29% graduation rate is below average, but 72.7% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$6,699
In-State
$19,735
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,450
Books & Supplies
$1,500
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,556
After Financial Aid
$15,359
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$13,032
Receive Grants
58.7%
Take Loans
62.9%
The full cost of attendance is about $26,556/yr for in-state students, including $13,450 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $15,359. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $19,735.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at North Carolina Central University fund their education.
While in School
58.7%
Get Grants
Free money
62.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$27,183
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$28,250
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$299/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $28,250 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $43K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends North Carolina Central University.
Gender
70.4%
Female
30%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
6,081
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,984
Graduates
32.9%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
14.8%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 70% of the student body. 32.9% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
6,081
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
North Carolina Central University fields 9 varsity teams with 336 student athletes, about 6% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Mid-Eastern
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
336
6% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
61% / 39%
204
Men
132
Women
7
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of North Carolina Central Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$42,968
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Social Sciences, General
$36K
122 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$34K
114 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$36K
106 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$29K
99 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$30K
61 grads
1yr Earnings
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
$32K
59 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $36K six years out, growing to $43K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about North Carolina Central University
What is the acceptance rate at North Carolina Central University?▾
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How much do North Carolina Central University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.