North Carolina Central University vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

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

Marshall University is larger than North Carolina Central University based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 8,579 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

North Carolina Central University vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or Marshall 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 Marshall University than North Carolina Central University ($8,076 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marshall University are 1.2% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($13,292 vs. $13,450).
• Marshall University is 36.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $2,463 more per year; $9,162.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.1% higher at Marshall University than at North Carolina Central University (about $607 more per year; $20,342.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at North Carolina Central University (97% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 12.1% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($13,448 vs. $11,999).

North Carolina Central University vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 10 points higher than at Marshall University (1030).
• Incoming Marshall 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; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 17/18; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027; Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Marshall University students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

North Carolina Central University vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Marshall University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marshall University graduates have a $7,866 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($23,134 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Marshall University graduates have an estimated $81 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($239 vs. $320).
• More Marshall University 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.