EIU vs. North Carolina Central University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL 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 EIU based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 8,505 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting); North Carolina Central University is in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Eastern Illinois 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: Eastern Illinois University 14:1; North Carolina Central University 16:1.

EIU vs. North Carolina Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EIU 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 Eastern Illinois University than North Carolina Central University ($13,787 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Illinois University are 8.7% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($12,282 vs. $13,450).
• Eastern Illinois University is 104.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $6,980 more per year; $13,679.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.7% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Eastern Illinois University (about $3,518 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $16,217.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Illinois University than at North Carolina Central University (95% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Illinois University students is 8% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($12,960 vs. $11,999).

EIU vs. North Carolina Central University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EIU or North Carolina Central University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between North Carolina Central University and EIU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 50 points higher than at EIU (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Eastern Illinois University 880/1090; North Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresNorth Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EIU - Test optional; North Carolina Central University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman EIU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than EIU (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at EIU vs. 11% at North Carolina Central University.

EIU vs. North Carolina Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EIU and North Carolina Central University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Eastern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from Eastern Illinois University earn a median of about $8,300 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Illinois University graduates have a $7,350 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($23,650 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, EIU graduates have an estimated $76 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($244 vs. $320).
• More EIU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.