North Carolina Central University vs. CSU

Comparable Facts

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

North Carolina Central University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Charleston Southern University is in Charleston, SC (Small City setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; Charleston Southern University 12:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. CSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or CSU? 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 CSU ($14,475 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 9.3% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($12,200 vs. $13,450).
• Charleston Southern University is 385.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $25,821 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.8% higher at CSU than at North Carolina Central University (about $12,785 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at North Carolina Central University (98% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 93.7% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($23,240 vs. $11,999).

North Carolina Central University vs. CSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is 10 points higher than at North Carolina Central University (1040).
• Incoming CSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 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; Charleston Southern University 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Carolina Central University 17/18; Charleston Southern University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; CSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Carolina Central University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.27) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 17.7% at CSU.

North Carolina Central University vs. CSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• The graduation rate at North Carolina Central University is the same as at Charleston Southern University (38% vs. 38%).
• Graduates from Charleston Southern University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Charleston Southern University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($27,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($279 vs. $320).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.