North Carolina Central University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

North Carolina Central University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 1,725 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

North Carolina Central University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or Columbia College? 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 Columbia College ($14,475 vs. $18,790).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 30.2% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($9,390 vs. $13,450).
• Columbia College is 231.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $15,515 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.6% higher at Columbia College than at North Carolina Central University (about $2,479 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at North Carolina Central University (97% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 37.1% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($16,451 vs. $11,999).

North Carolina Central University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 40 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming North Carolina Central University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (17 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 980/1100; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 17/18; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Columbia College students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

North Carolina Central University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and Columbia 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.

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from North Carolina Central University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,200 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $5,736 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($25,264 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($261 vs. $320).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (43% 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.