North Carolina Central University vs. South Carolina State University

Comparable Facts

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

North Carolina Central University is larger than South Carolina State University based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 3,242 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); South Carolina State University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Carolina State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; South Carolina State University 19:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. South Carolina State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University ($14,475 vs. $17,965).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Carolina State University are 33.1% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($9,000 vs. $13,450).
• South Carolina State University is 65.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $4,361 more per year; $11,060.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.2% higher at South Carolina State University than at North Carolina Central University (about $2,015 more per year; $21,750.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Carolina State University than at North Carolina Central University (95% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 3.6% larger than aid received by South Carolina State University students ($11,999 vs. $11,579).

North Carolina Central University vs. South Carolina State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 110 points higher than at South Carolina State University (930).
• Incoming North Carolina Central University students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 17) as students at South Carolina State University (17).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 980/1100; South Carolina State University 800/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 17/18; South Carolina State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; South Carolina State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027; South Carolina State University Jul 31, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman North Carolina Central University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.27) than students at South Carolina State University (3.17).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than South Carolina State University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 11.4% at South Carolina State University.

North Carolina Central University vs. South Carolina State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and South Carolina State 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.

• North Carolina Central University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than South Carolina State University's (35%).
• Graduates from North Carolina Central University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than South Carolina State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,200 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Carolina Central University graduates have a $2,205 lower median loan debt than South Carolina State University graduates ($31,000 vs. $33,205).
• Among borrowers, North Carolina Central University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Carolina State University graduates ($320 vs. $343).
• More South Carolina State 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.