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North Carolina Central University

Durham, NC · Public

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90.5%
Acceptance
1060
SAT
$30,050
Sticker Price
$17,688
Net Price*
$42,968
Earnings
8.9 yrs
Payback
14,192
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

Apply Now Admissions Info Financial Aid Net Price Calculator

What is North Carolina Central University's acceptance rate?

Up 43.9 percentage points since 2018

With a 90.5% acceptance rate, North Carolina Central University is considered accessible. The school has become slightly less competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to North Carolina Central University?

North Carolina Central University received 14,192 applications in 2023, up 9% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 11% is typical for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at North Carolina Central University?

Social Sciences, General leads as the most popular major at North Carolina Central University. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at North Carolina Central University?

Out-of-state tuition has increased by 19% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 21% from $24,759 to $30,050.

Tuition (Out-of-State) Tuition (In-State) Total Cost

How much do North Carolina Central University graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $63,705 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Registered Nursing, Nursing Ad... $63,705
$8,500 $113,585
Computer Programming $41,205
$8,500 $113,585
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Scien... $39,369
$8,500 $113,585
Teacher Education and Professi... $38,829
$8,500 $113,585
Romance Languages, Literatures... $35,600
$8,500 $113,585
Business Administration, Manag... $32,756
$8,500 $113,585
History $32,162
$8,500 $113,585
Biology, General $31,915
$8,500 $113,585
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North Carolina Central University Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 14,192 12,842 90.5% 11.4%
2022 8,423 7,107 84.4% 15.2%
2021 8,244 6,267 76.0% 18.0%
2020 7,496 6,553 87.4% 18.8%
2019 8,311 5,650 68.0% 18.2%
2018 13,019 6,072 46.6% 18.8%
2017 6,671 5,524 82.8% 23.1%
2016 8,613 5,744 66.7% 20.1%
2015 7,651 5,040 65.9% 22.0%

Is North Carolina Central University worth it?

Calculate your personal ROI

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Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
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What do North Carolina Central University graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,968
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$8,100 $42,968 median $61,200

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $8,100 while the top 10% earn $61,200. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$35,967
Median Debt
$28,250
6-Year Graduation Rate
46.0%

How much does North Carolina Central University cost?

The total cost of attendance at North Carolina Central University is approximately $30,050 per year for out-of-state students. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

In-State Tuition
$3,728
Out-of-State Tuition
$16,435
Fees
$2,901
Room & Board
$10,714
Total Cost of Attendance
$30,050

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $12,136
$30-48k income $14,482
$48-75k income $17,688
$75-110k income $21,713
$110k+ income $23,621

Which majors pay the most?

  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $63,705
  • Computer Programming $41,205
  • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration $39,369
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $38,829
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $35,600

Who attends North Carolina Central University?

North Carolina Central University enrolls 7,965 students, with 1% from outside the United States. Women make up 71% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 7,965
Retention Rate 75%
International 1%
Women 71%
Race/Ethnicity
Black 75%
White 9%
Hispanic 7%
Asian 2%

How much financial aid is available?

81% of students receive some form of financial aid at North Carolina Central University. About 57% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 81%
Avg: $10,658 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 57%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 63%
Avg: $6,957
School's Own Grants 83%
Avg: $4,304 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at North Carolina Central University are above the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

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