North Carolina Central University vs. Lincoln University

Comparable Facts

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

North Carolina Central University is larger than Lincoln University based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 1,670 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

North Carolina Central University vs. Lincoln University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or Lincoln 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 Lincoln University than North Carolina Central University ($14,473 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lincoln University are 13.6% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($11,616 vs. $13,450).
• Lincoln University is 86.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $5,813 more per year; $12,512.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Lincoln University (about $351 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $19,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lincoln University than at North Carolina Central University (94% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lincoln University students is 14.6% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($13,750 vs. $11,999).

North Carolina Central University vs. Lincoln University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 150 points higher than at Lincoln University (890).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 980/1100; Lincoln University 820/960.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; Lincoln University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027; Lincoln University May 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman North Carolina Central University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.27) than students at Lincoln University (3.06).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Lincoln University (65.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 12.3% at Lincoln University.

North Carolina Central University vs. Lincoln University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Lincoln University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from North Carolina Central University earn a median of about $100 more per year than Lincoln University graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,200 vs. $35,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Carolina Central University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Lincoln University graduates ($31,000 vs. $31,500).
• Among borrowers, North Carolina Central University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lincoln University graduates ($320 vs. $325).
• More Lincoln University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (32% 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.