North Carolina Central University vs. Fairmont State

Comparable Facts

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

North Carolina Central University is larger than Fairmont State based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 3,305 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Fairmont State University is in Fairmont, WV (Distant Town setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Fairmont State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; Fairmont State University 14:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. Fairmont State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or Fairmont State ? 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 Fairmont State University than North Carolina Central University ($11,328 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairmont State University are 13.3% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($11,656 vs. $13,450).
• Fairmont State University is 30% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $2,009 more per year; $8,708.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.3% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Fairmont State University (about $811 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $18,924.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairmont State University than at North Carolina Central University (91% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 40.3% larger than aid received by Fairmont State University students ($11,999 vs. $8,552).

North Carolina Central University vs. Fairmont State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 100 points higher than at Fairmont State (940).
• Incoming Fairmont State 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; Fairmont State University 810/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Carolina Central University 17/18; Fairmont State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; Fairmont State - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairmont State students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• Fairmont State has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 33.8% at Fairmont State .

North Carolina Central University vs. Fairmont State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and Fairmont State ? 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 Fairmont State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Fairmont State University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,600 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fairmont State University graduates have a $9,000 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($22,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Fairmont State graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($227 vs. $320).
• More Fairmont State 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.