North Carolina Central University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Comparable Facts

Compare North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC with Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Carolina Central University is larger than Potomac State College of West Virginia University based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 1,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Potomac State College of West Virginia University is in Keyser, WV (Distant Town setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Potomac State College of West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; Potomac State College of West Virginia University 13:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University than North Carolina Central University ($9,541 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Potomac State College of West Virginia University are 6.5% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($12,580 vs. $13,450).
• North Carolina Central University is 26.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $1,419 more per year; $6,699.00 vs. $5,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.5% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $6,535 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $13,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Potomac State College of West Virginia University than at North Carolina Central University (90% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 74.2% larger than aid received by Potomac State College of West Virginia University students ($11,999 vs. $6,890).

North Carolina Central University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Carolina Central University or Potomac State College of West Virginia University? 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University and North Carolina Central University.

• Potomac State College of West Virginia University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; Potomac State College of West Virginia University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Carolina Central University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.27) than students at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (3.06).

North Carolina Central University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and Potomac State College of West Virginia University? 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).

• Graduates from Potomac State College of West Virginia University earn a median of about $15,400 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have a $6,999 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($24,001 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($248 vs. $320).
• More Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.