North Carolina Central University vs. Ferrum College

Comparable Facts

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

North Carolina Central University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Ferrum College is in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; Ferrum College 11:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. Ferrum College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or Ferrum 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 Ferrum College ($14,475 vs. $20,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferrum College are 1.6% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($13,230 vs. $13,450).
• Ferrum College is 325.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $21,821 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.5% higher at Ferrum College than at North Carolina Central University (about $8,785 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferrum College than at North Carolina Central University (98% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 187.1% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($34,444 vs. $11,999).

North Carolina Central University vs. Ferrum College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 50 points higher than at Ferrum College (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Carolina Central University 980/1100; Ferrum College 880/1100.
• 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; Ferrum College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027; Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman North Carolina Central University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.27) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• Ferrum College has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 11.5% at Ferrum College.

North Carolina Central University vs. Ferrum College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and Ferrum College? 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 Ferrum College's (31%).
• Graduates from Ferrum College earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,000 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferrum College graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($28,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferrum College graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($289 vs. $320).
• More Ferrum College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.