North Carolina Central University vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

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

North Carolina Central University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; Salem University 19:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or Salem 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 Salem University than North Carolina Central University ($10,231 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 37.5% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($8,400 vs. $13,450).
• Salem University is 77.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $5,201 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.8% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Salem University (about $7,835 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at North Carolina Central University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 40% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($11,999 vs. $8,569).

North Carolina Central University vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

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

• Salem 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; Salem University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.

North Carolina Central University vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• North Carolina Central University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from North Carolina Central University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,200 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem University graduates have a $4,382 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($26,618 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem University graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($275 vs. $320).
• More Salem University 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.