North Carolina Central University vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

North Carolina Central University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or Bluefield State 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 Bluefield State University ($14,475 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 14.4% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($11,512 vs. $13,450).
• Bluefield State University is 58.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $3,949 more per year; $10,648.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.4% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Bluefield State University (about $1,359 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at North Carolina Central University (97% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 22.3% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($11,999 vs. $9,814).

North Carolina Central University vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Carolina Central University or Bluefield State 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 Bluefield State University and North Carolina Central University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 60 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming Bluefield State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at North Carolina Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Carolina Central University 980/1100; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Carolina Central University 17/18; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027; Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

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

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and Bluefield State 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).

• North Carolina Central University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from North Carolina Central University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,200 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $12,000 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($19,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($196 vs. $320).
• More Bluefield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (30% 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.