North Carolina Central University vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

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

North Carolina Central University is larger than Limestone University based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 1,807 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

North Carolina Central University vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or Limestone 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 Limestone University ($14,475 vs. $19,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 16.7% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($11,210 vs. $13,450).
• Limestone University is 315% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $21,101 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.9% higher at Limestone University than at North Carolina Central University (about $8,065 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Limestone University than at North Carolina Central University (96% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 79.2% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($21,504 vs. $11,999).

North Carolina Central University vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Limestone University (1070) is 30 points higher than at North Carolina Central University (1040).
• Incoming Limestone University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 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; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 17/18; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Limestone University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

North Carolina Central University vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and Limestone 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.

• Limestone University's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from Limestone University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Limestone University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($27,250 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Limestone University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($281 vs. $320).
• More Limestone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (36% 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.