Bowie State University vs. North Carolina Central University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowie State University in Bowie, MD with North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Carolina Central University is larger than Bowie State University based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 6,353 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowie State University is located in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting); North Carolina Central University is in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowie State University 15:1; North Carolina Central University 16:1.

Bowie State University vs. North Carolina Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowie State University or North Carolina Central University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at North Carolina Central University than Bowie State University ($14,475 vs. $17,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowie State University are 9% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($12,241 vs. $13,450).
• Bowie State University is 37.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $2,519 more per year; $9,218.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1% higher at Bowie State University than at North Carolina Central University (about $203 more per year; $19,938.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Carolina Central University than at Bowie State University (87% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 76% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($11,999 vs. $6,819).

Bowie State University vs. North Carolina Central University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowie State University or North Carolina Central University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between North Carolina Central University and Bowie State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 100 points higher than at Bowie State University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowie State University 796/1083; North Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorth Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowie State University - Test optional; North Carolina Central University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027; North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Carolina Central University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.27) than students at Bowie State University (3.12).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Bowie State University (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at Bowie State University vs. 11% at North Carolina Central University.

Bowie State University vs. North Carolina Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowie State University and North Carolina Central University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bowie State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $15,300 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have a $6,609 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($24,391 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($252 vs. $320).
• More Bowie State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (29% vs. 23%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.