Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Public4-yearHBCU

North Carolina Central University

Durham, North Carolina Β· City: LargeOfficial Website β†—

#3674
Nationally
#118
In North Carolina
90%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$3,728
In-State Tuition
per year
46%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
5,973
Undergrad Enrollment
5,000–9,999
Overall Score & Rankings
43/100
Average
#3674 nationally
#118 in North Carolina
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes46
πŸ’°Affordability50
🎯Selectivity40
πŸ“šAcademic Environment11
πŸ”¬Program Breadth71

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

North Carolina Central University, a historically Black college and university, is a public four-year university located in Durham, North Carolina. With 5,973 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 90%, the institution is considered accessible. In-state tuition is $3,728 per year ($16,764 out-of-state), significantly below average for public institutions. The six-year graduation rate is 46%, which is average compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate90%↓ Below avg
National avg: 70%
14,192
Applied
12,842
Admitted
1,465
Enrolled
SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)
SAT Reading500 – 570
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
SAT Math480 – 530
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)17 – 18
Cost & Financial Aid
In-State Tuition$3,728/yr
In-State Fees$2,814/yr
Out-of-State Tuition$16,764/yr
Room & Board$16,260/yr
Total CoA (In-State)$22,802/yr
Total CoA (Out-of-State)$35,838/yr
In-State Tuition vs National Avg$3,728↑ Above avg
National avg: $10,662
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate46%↓ Below avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
5,973
Total Undergrads
70% F / 30% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 4%
Hispanic 7%
Black 80%
Asian 1%
Two or more 4%
International 0%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Tuition ($3,728/yr) is well below the national average for public colleges
  • βœ“Open admissions policy (90% acceptance rate) β€” accessible to a wide range of students
  • βœ“Publicly funded institution β€” tuition subsidized by state taxes for in-state residents
Consider
  • Β·Graduation rate of 46% is below the national average β€” research completion support services
  • Β·Room and board costs ($16,260/yr) add significantly to the total cost of attendance
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for students seeking an accessible path to a college degree, and in-state students who want a quality education at a subsidized cost.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPublic
LocationDurham, North Carolina
SettingCity: Large
Size5,000–9,999
HBCUYes
State Ranking
#118
in North Carolina out of 7+ colleges
#3674
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.