North Carolina Central University vs. Pfeiffer University

Comparable Facts

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

North Carolina Central University is larger than Pfeiffer University based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 889 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

North Carolina Central University vs. Pfeiffer University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer University ($14,475 vs. $19,660).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pfeiffer University are 4.5% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($12,850 vs. $13,450).
• Pfeiffer University is 423.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $28,371 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77.7% higher at Pfeiffer University than at North Carolina Central University (about $15,335 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pfeiffer University than at North Carolina Central University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pfeiffer University students is 116.3% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($25,951 vs. $11,999).

North Carolina Central University vs. Pfeiffer University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 10 points higher than at Pfeiffer University (1030).
• Incoming Pfeiffer 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; Pfeiffer University 891/1165.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 17/18; Pfeiffer University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; Pfeiffer University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027; Pfeiffer University Aug 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman North Carolina Central University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.27) than students at Pfeiffer University (3.18).
• Pfeiffer University has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 13.7% at Pfeiffer University.

North Carolina Central University vs. Pfeiffer University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Pfeiffer University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from Pfeiffer University earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,100 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have a $8,601 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($22,399 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have an estimated $89 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($231 vs. $320).
• More Pfeiffer University 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.