North Carolina Central University vs. Centra College

Comparable Facts

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

North Carolina Central University is larger than Centra College based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 219 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Centra College is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Centra College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; Centra College 3:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. Centra College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or Centra 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 Centra College are 7.6% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($12,424 vs. $13,450).
• Centra College is 93.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $6,284 more per year; $12,983.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Centra College (about $6,752 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Carolina Central University than at Centra College (87% vs. 0%).

North Carolina Central University vs. Centra College Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; Centra College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Centra College has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 0% at Centra College.

North Carolina Central University vs. Centra College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Graduates from Centra College earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Centra College graduates have a $18,958 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($12,042 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Centra College graduates have an estimated $196 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($124 vs. $320).
• More Centra College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.