North Carolina Central University vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

Compare North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC with Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Carolina Central University is larger than MSU based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 5,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Midwestern State University is in Wichita Falls, TX (Midsize City setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Midwestern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; Midwestern State University 18:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or MSU? 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 Midwestern State University than North Carolina Central University ($11,215 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Midwestern State University are 17.3% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($11,124 vs. $13,450).
• Midwestern State University is 57.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $3,881 more per year; $10,580.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.5% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Midwestern State University (about $7,205 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $12,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Midwestern State University than at North Carolina Central University (92% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 8.7% larger than aid received by Midwestern State University students ($11,999 vs. $11,037).

North Carolina Central University vs. MSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 30 points higher than at MSU (1010).
• Incoming MSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at North Carolina Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Carolina Central University 980/1100; Midwestern State University 910/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Carolina Central University 17/18; Midwestern State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; MSU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Carolina Central University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.27) than students at MSU (3.2).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 12.9% at MSU.

North Carolina Central University vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and MSU? 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 Midwestern State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Midwestern State University earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,300 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Midwestern State University graduates have a $8,701 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($22,299 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $90 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($230 vs. $320).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.