North Carolina Central University vs. RIC

Comparable Facts

Compare North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC with Rhode Island College in Providence, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Carolina Central University is larger than RIC based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 6,155 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Rhode Island College is in Providence, RI (Large Suburban setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rhode Island College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; Rhode Island College 15:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. RIC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or RIC? 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 Rhode Island College than North Carolina Central University ($10,346 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rhode Island College are 0.3% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($13,414 vs. $13,450).
• Rhode Island College is 68.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $4,601 more per year; $11,300.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.3% higher at RIC than at North Carolina Central University (about $7,564 more per year; $27,299.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rhode Island College than at North Carolina Central University (95% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 78.9% larger than aid received by Rhode Island College students ($11,999 vs. $6,706).

North Carolina Central University vs. RIC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 40 points higher than at RIC (1000).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Carolina Central University 980/1100; Rhode Island College 870/1120.
• 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; RIC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027; RIC Mar 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Carolina Central University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.27) than students at RIC (3.08).
• RIC has a higher acceptance rate (91.8%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 23.1% at RIC.

North Carolina Central University vs. RIC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Rhode Island College's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from Rhode Island College earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rhode Island College graduates have a $9,800 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($21,200 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, RIC graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($219 vs. $320).
• More RIC 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.