North Carolina Central University vs. RU

Comparable Facts

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

North Carolina Central University is larger than RU based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 7,812 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Radford University is in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; Radford University 14:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or RU? 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 RU ($14,475 vs. $16,749).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Radford University are 7% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($12,504 vs. $13,450).
• Radford University is 87.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $5,849 more per year; $12,548.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.9% higher at RU than at North Carolina Central University (about $5,898 more per year; $25,633.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Radford University than at North Carolina Central University (94% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 1.1% larger than aid received by Radford University students ($11,999 vs. $11,870).

North Carolina Central University vs. RU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Radford University (1050) is 10 points higher than at North Carolina Central University (1040).
• Incoming RU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 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; Radford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 17/18; Radford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; RU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman RU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• RU has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 14.4% at RU.

North Carolina Central University vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Radford University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from Radford University earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Radford University graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($23,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, RU graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($237 vs. $320).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.