North Carolina Central University vs. Ascent College

Comparable Facts

Compare North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC with Ascent College in Gainesville, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Carolina Central University is larger than Ascent College based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 83 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Ascent College is in Gainesville, VA (Midsize City setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ascent College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; Ascent College 8:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. Ascent College Cost Comparison

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

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ascent College are 11.1% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($11,960 vs. $13,450).
• Ascent College is 27.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $1,851 more per year; $8,550.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 130.8% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Ascent College (about $11,185 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $8,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Carolina Central University than at Ascent College (87% vs. 0%).

North Carolina Central University vs. Ascent College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Carolina Central University or Ascent College? 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 Ascent College and North Carolina Central University.

• Ascent College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; Ascent College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.

North Carolina Central University vs. Ascent College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and Ascent College? 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.

• North Carolina Central University's six-year graduation rate is 38%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for Ascent College.
• Graduates from North Carolina Central University have median earnings of about $35,200 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for Ascent College.

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.