North Carolina Central University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

North Carolina Central University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 6,053 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or NSU? 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 Norfolk State University than North Carolina Central University ($9,124 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 13.8% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($11,591 vs. $13,450).
• Norfolk State University is 52% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $3,481 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.9% higher at NSU than at North Carolina Central University (about $1,947 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Carolina Central University than at Norfolk State University (87% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 25.5% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($15,056 vs. $11,999).

North Carolina Central University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 110 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming NSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (19 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; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 17/18; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman North Carolina Central University students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.27) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

North Carolina Central University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• North Carolina Central University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Norfolk State University and North Carolina Central University graduates have the same median loan debt ($31,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Norfolk State University and North Carolina Central University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($320 vs. $320).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (27% 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.