North Carolina Central University vs. Johnson University

Comparable Facts

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

North Carolina Central University is larger than Johnson University based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 978 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

North Carolina Central University vs. Johnson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or Johnson University? 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 Johnson University ($14,475 vs. $22,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson University are 26.4% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($9,900 vs. $13,450).
• Johnson University is 215.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $14,423 more per year; $21,122.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7% higher at Johnson University than at North Carolina Central University (about $1,387 more per year; $21,122.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson University than at North Carolina Central University (99% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 3.2% larger than aid received by Johnson University students ($11,999 vs. $11,630).

North Carolina Central University vs. Johnson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is the same as at Johnson University (1040).
• Incoming Johnson University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (21 vs. 17 at North Carolina Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 980/1100; Johnson University 960/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 17/18; Johnson University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; Johnson University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027; Johnson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Johnson University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Johnson University (65.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 32.3% at Johnson University.

North Carolina Central University vs. Johnson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and Johnson University? 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.

• Johnson University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from North Carolina Central University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Johnson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,200 vs. $31,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Johnson University graduates have a $9,620 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($21,380 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Johnson University graduates have an estimated $99 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($221 vs. $320).
• More Johnson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.