North Carolina Central University vs. ECU

Comparable Facts

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

North Carolina Central University is larger than ECU based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 3,377 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); East Central University is in Ada, OK (Remote Town setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. East Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; East Central University 18:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. ECU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or ECU? 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 East Central University than North Carolina Central University ($8,565 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Central University are 36.7% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($8,516 vs. $13,450).
• East Central University is 19.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $1,333 more per year; $8,032.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.6% higher at North Carolina Central University than at East Central University (about $1,893 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $17,842.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at East Central University than at North Carolina Central University (91% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 29.6% larger than aid received by East Central University students ($11,999 vs. $9,255).

North Carolina Central University vs. ECU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 30 points higher than at ECU (1010).
• Incoming ECU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 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; East Central University 900/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Carolina Central University 17/18; East Central University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; ECU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ECU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than ECU (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 42.4% at ECU.

North Carolina Central University vs. ECU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and ECU? 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 East Central University's (34%).
• Graduates from East Central University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Central University graduates have a $14,122 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($16,878 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, ECU graduates have an estimated $146 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($174 vs. $320).
• More ECU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (45% 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.