North Carolina Central University vs. Curtis Institute of Music

Comparable Facts

Compare North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC with Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Carolina Central University is larger than Curtis Institute of Music based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 161 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Curtis Institute of Music is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Curtis Institute of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; Curtis Institute of Music 2:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. Curtis Institute of Music Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or Curtis Institute of Music? 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 Curtis Institute of Music ($14,475 vs. $23,686).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Carolina Central University are 36.1% lower than at Curtis Institute of Music ($13,450 vs. $21,035).
• In-state tuition differs between North Carolina Central University and Curtis Institute of Music ($6,699.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between North Carolina Central University and Curtis Institute of Music ($19,735.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Curtis Institute of Music than at North Carolina Central University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 54.3% larger than aid received by Curtis Institute of Music students ($11,999 vs. $7,774).

North Carolina Central University vs. Curtis Institute of Music Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Carolina Central University or Curtis Institute of Music? 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 Curtis Institute of Music 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; Curtis Institute of Music - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027; Curtis Institute of Music Dec 18, 2026.
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Curtis Institute of Music (4.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 92.3% at Curtis Institute of Music.

North Carolina Central University vs. Curtis Institute of Music Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and Curtis Institute of Music? 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).

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.