Public Institution

North Carolina Central University — Durham, North Carolina

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Annual Tuition $6,542

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 90.5%

Open Admission

Enrollment 5,400

Active Students

Avg. Salary $42,968

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Durham, North Carolina

Institution type Public

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"North Carolina Central University stands as a pillar of higher education in Durham, providing a robust academic foundation for 5,400 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does North Carolina Central University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at North Carolina Central University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Social Sciences

15.9%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

13.3%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement

11.7%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

9.9%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

6.5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at North Carolina Central University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at North Carolina Central University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at North Carolina Central University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 90.5%

Difficulty Low

North Carolina Central University maintains an acceptance rate of 90.5%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 29.6%

Women Enrollment 70.4%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 500 - 570

SAT Mathematics 480 - 530

ACT English 14 - 20

ACT Mathematics 15 - 18

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does North Carolina Central University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $6,542

Out-of-State Tuition $19,578

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 56.6%

Median Student Debt $28,250

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $6,542, graduates see a median starting salary of $42,968, making it one of the most affordable pathways in North Carolina.

What salary can North Carolina Central University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $42,968

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 46%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $15,028

Median Salary (6yr) $35,967

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at North Carolina Central University in Durham?

5,400 Students

Gender Comparison

29.6% Men

70.4% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

75.4%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.2%

Pacific Islander

Asian

Black

83.5%

White

Unknown

Hispanic

5.4%

Two or More Races

4.5%

International

0.3%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 22

🎓

First-Generation 32.9%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 77%

💍

Married Students 5.8%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 71.4%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$57,501
Average Family Income	$36,803
Median Family Income	$27,183

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

44.3%

55.7%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Durham Campus Environment

Located at 1801 Fayetteville Street, North Carolina Central University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of North Carolina. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does North Carolina Central University compare?

Direct Comparison North Carolina Central University vs Duke University →

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Direct Comparison North Carolina Central University vs Bull City Durham Beauty and Barber College →

Common Questions about North Carolina Central University

Is North Carolina Central University a good college in Durham, North Carolina?

North Carolina Central University is a recognized institution in Durham with an enrollment of 5,400 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in North Carolina.

Is North Carolina Central University worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $42,968 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does North Carolina Central University cost for North Carolina residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at North Carolina Central University is approximately $6,542. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $19,578. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of North Carolina Central University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending North Carolina Central University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 77% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is North Carolina Central University good for Social Sciences and Business & Marketing programs?

North Carolina Central University reports program activity in Social Sciences and Business & Marketing. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending North Carolina Central University?

Graduates of North Carolina Central University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Social Sciences. With a median salary of $42,968, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for North Carolina Central University?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on North Carolina Central University's official admissions website.

Does North Carolina Central University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on North Carolina Central University's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can North Carolina Central University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of North Carolina Central University earn a median salary of $42,968 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is North Carolina Central University a good investment compared to other NC colleges?

Compare North Carolina Central University's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in North Carolina to judge value for your goals.

Where is North Carolina Central University located and what is the campus like?

North Carolina Central University is located at 1801 Fayetteville Street in Durham, NC. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 5,400 learners.

Who typically attends North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC?

The student body at North Carolina Central University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 32.9% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: North Carolina

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare North Carolina Central University with other leading institutions in North Carolina across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

Nursing

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