NMSU vs. North Carolina Central University

Comparable Facts

Compare New Mexico State University Main Campus in Las Cruces, NM with North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

New Mexico State University Main Campus is larger than North Carolina Central University based on total student enrollment (15,408 students vs. 8,579 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• New Mexico State University Main Campus is located in Las Cruces, NM (Midsize Suburban setting); North Carolina Central University is in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting).
• New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: New Mexico State University Main Campus 16:1; North Carolina Central University 16:1.

NMSU vs. North Carolina Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NMSU 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 New Mexico State University Main Campus than North Carolina Central University ($10,719 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at New Mexico State University Main Campus are 8.7% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($12,282 vs. $13,450).
• New Mexico State University Main Campus is 22.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $1,484 more per year; $8,183.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.2% higher at NMSU than at North Carolina Central University (about $5,572 more per year; $25,307.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at New Mexico State University Main Campus than at North Carolina Central University (96% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by New Mexico State University Main Campus students is 20.2% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($14,420 vs. $11,999).

NMSU vs. North Carolina Central University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NMSU 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 NMSU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 50 points higher than at NMSU (990).
• Incoming NMSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (20 vs. 17 at North Carolina Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: New Mexico State University Main Campus 870/1110; North Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: New Mexico State University Main Campus 17/24; North Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NMSU - Test optional; North Carolina Central University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman NMSU students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• NMSU has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.6% at NMSU vs. 11% at North Carolina Central University.

NMSU vs. North Carolina Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NMSU 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.

• New Mexico State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from New Mexico State University Main Campus earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,400 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, New Mexico State University Main Campus graduates have a $13,882 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($17,118 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, NMSU graduates have an estimated $144 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($176 vs. $320).
• More NMSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (44% 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.